tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15475365343954569532015-03-30T23:25:28.731-05:00A+ Firsties....sharing fun ideas to encourage creativity, imagination and rigor in the 1st grade classroom!Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.comBlogger250125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-41898487688713834922015-03-30T23:25:00.004-05:002015-03-30T23:25:28.744-05:00Worksheets Don’t Grow Dendrites: Strategy 7<span style="font-size: medium;">Hi, Friends! This strategy is all about using manipulatives, experiments, labs, and models. We’re teaching at a time when assessment has been placed at the forefront of well, just about….everything. Often times, we rush too quickly to abstract paper and pencil tasks without allowing students adequate time to enjoy concrete experiences. By using hands-on objects that students can touch, manipulate, change, pull apart, put together to create…we help them to build a deeper understanding of concepts that will be easily remembered in order to apply the learning to real world situations. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">How many students do you have that get frustrated or misbehave when a piece of paper is put in front of them or even flat out refuse to complete work? The frustration may not be with the work itself, but in being rushed to show it in a way that is uncomfortable…too soon. In the real world, no one takes away our support. No one insists that we “figure it out” and solve problems based on memory alone. We have calculators , fingers….tools and apps that we use to solve problems….all.the.time. So, why do we as teachers take away support from students because we feel they’ve grown dependent on it or have used it for too long?</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RBCOmk7dhUw/VRoe8w0HrQI/AAAAAAAAGTI/ca29raDfMKs/s1600-h/Slide1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide1" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jkJV52OC7Oc/VRoe9khNbRI/AAAAAAAAGTQ/H5-B-MTD-6A/Slide1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide1" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Students understanding of mathematical ideas is broadened when they’re allowed to use concrete representations. In our classroom, when students visit work stations, manipulatives are provided as support. If students need them, they have assess to them. If they don’t, they’re not required to use them.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s92lNA55f9Y/VRoe-WTemgI/AAAAAAAAGTY/biyylizsZP0/s1600-h/Slide2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide2" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8v-Y5UHWa6A/VRoe-3UhogI/AAAAAAAAGTg/qAo188LvBnM/Slide2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide2" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Before beginning independent work, examples of expected outcomes are projected to provide clarity…</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mGqVTgXgdyI/VRoe_xB79uI/AAAAAAAAGTo/AeZQL_0Fp6M/s1600-h/Slide3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide3" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f8OiAPww-7M/VRofAco_ShI/AAAAAAAAGTw/Rcjm7AcxAjg/Slide3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide3" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">…and a quick reference {example}. Using manipulatives can also provide game-like opportunities for learning.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0eY7c03rMWw/VRofBP463VI/AAAAAAAAGT4/mzmiUfROnTM/s1600-h/Slide4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide4" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8AwgGsmxMOo/VRofB5tWD6I/AAAAAAAAGT8/xd83ARR6JS0/Slide4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide4" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">In order to display our understanding of edges and vertices, students constructed models of 3-Dimensional figures using toothpicks and marshmallows. (I’m sure there were a few missing vertices, by the time this lesson was done!)</span><br /><br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xrJofQoet2o/VRofCk8AIAI/AAAAAAAAGUI/92LZi3MxVrk/s1600-h/Slide5%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide5" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-neZ0enZ7ghk/VRofDPttpSI/AAAAAAAAGUQ/c514AtLS6d4/Slide5_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide5" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">We could have read lots of books, colored pictures, looked at video clips....<em>and we did</em>,&nbsp;BUT none of those things could replace getting our hands dirty to plant real seeds.&nbsp; Planting in our classroom is definitely an experiment because growing dendrites might be a talent, but growing plants is NOT! Ha!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4qJtk07HlS0/VRofEeMc8qI/AAAAAAAAGUY/OLl35YWdG3U/s1600-h/Slide6%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide6" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FdwB2gk2zkk/VRofE9wLudI/AAAAAAAAGUg/_LiGf7S3w3c/Slide6_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide6" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">When we compared living organisms to non-living objects last year, the kids couldn’t wait to get their hands on worms! Real…icky, slimy…wet, muddy worms! Yuck! Now, while I enjoyed watching them enjoying themselves….the gummy worms were more my speed! Lol! =)</span><br /><br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F2Ot3BCXTBs/VRofFgYiqTI/AAAAAAAAGUo/Y0skBouYMhI/s1600-h/Slide7%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide7" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-E-PsmWtC0pw/VRofGY45cVI/AAAAAAAAGUw/gMuKJ6cOeMQ/Slide7_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide7" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Concrete experiences like this and labs also help ELLs when focusing on new vocabulary and concepts at the same time! There’s no doubt, every student in the room knew the difference between the living worm and the non-living gummy worm…not to mention, which one tasted better! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YiHJrCrzYyc/VRofG37JjYI/AAAAAAAAGU4/QxPttgRpiYk/s1600-h/Slide8%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide8" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lFl9Qic31ik/VRofHom4jVI/AAAAAAAAGVA/BQEaJYSjDxI/Slide8_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide8" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">So, the next time you’re planning….think of&nbsp; tactile ways to engage students in learning! Kids remember what they experience and DO! </span><br /><br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bA1AoEXIlag/VRofIVd60UI/AAAAAAAAGVI/TArwemwFJxM/s1600-h/Slide9%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide9" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SUOkPcwXUaU/VRofI_cJ4rI/AAAAAAAAGVM/BMUMk7BIRKk/Slide9_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide9" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I love my big take away or “aha” from this chapter. Provide students with the support they need for as long as THEY need it. It’s not up to me to decide it’s time to force them away from it. When a student is ready to show what they know independently, they’ll tell me they no longer need the aid or simply stop using it. Let them guide the learning. Let them touch, manipulate, feel, and experience as much learning as possible with their whole bodies. Paper and pencil tasks should be the very last step in learning….learning IS in the doing. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Allow students to use manipulatives, conduct experiments, build models and watch them flourish! Hands-on learning is FUN!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Stop by <a href="http://mrsjumpsclass.blogspot.com/2015/03/worksheets-dont-grow-dendrites-strategy.html" target="_blank">Mrs. Jump's Class</a> to hop through the other posts about this chapter. Enjoy! </span></div>Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-51180711138009637432015-03-18T14:14:00.003-05:002015-03-18T15:16:54.045-05:00Worksheets Don’t Grow Dendrites {Chapter 5 & 6ish}<span style="font-size: medium;">Hi, Friends! How are ya? I’m excited about jumping into the book study about <em><u>Worksheets Don’t&nbsp;Grow Dendrites</u></em> by Marcia L. Tate! While we’ve been enjoying lazy days around the house, I’ve had pen and highlighter in hand busily doodling over the pages as I’m reading. Hopping from post to post to read how this book is impacting other teachers has been inspiring!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">When I read Michelle’s post about Strategy 5, I just had to jump in because this chapter addresses a topic that is near and dear to my heart…something we use in our classroom every.single.day. In fact, her chapter kind of incorporated every single chapter leading up to it. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Before I jump into Chapter 5, here’s my big “take away” or “A-Aha!” from each of the previous chapters.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Chapter 1:</strong> <em>Brainstor</em></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><em>ming and Discussion</em>….Classrooms should NOT be quiet places. There should always be a consistent hum or buzz about the room as children are working and learning together. Opening their mouths to talk allows oxygen to get to the brain which in turn allows for a greater depth of learning.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Chapter 2:</strong>&nbsp; <em>Drawing and Artwork</em>…I could write about this strategy all day, every day! Art is not fluff! Can I say that again? Art is not fluff. It’s the stuff…that you can use to your advantage to make many meaningful cross-curricular connections. Art inspires creativity. Art requires creation, problem solving and THINKING. Art inspires deeper learning by engaging all senses.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Chapter 3:</strong>&nbsp; <em>Field Trips</em>…Sadly, the decreasing of school budgets have brought a screeching halt to taking field trips. To improve in this area, we’re going to look for opportunities to learn outside of the 4 walls of our classroom on campus. I’m also going to get with my favorite techy guru to plan a virtual trip! =)</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Chapter 4:</strong>&nbsp; <em>Games</em>…I need to use them more. In classrooms full of boys, games are a great strategy for learning because boys are inclined to compete in everything! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">NOW…<strong>Chapter 5</strong>…<em>Graphic Organizers, Semantic Maps, and Word Webs</em>! =)</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z6x4QnyQ6Jk/VQnKnB9tiZI/AAAAAAAAGQI/8JOcQUyi5kU/s1600-h/Slide2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide2" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-It04kR6RXw0/VQnKo0_AumI/AAAAAAAAGQM/RyyHwRZ4YbY/Slide2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide2" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><em>The best classrooms are ones where students are actively engaged in the learning-talking to one another, moving to learn content, connecting ideas together, thinking positively, and having a purpose for learning. ~Marcia L. Tate</em></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Creating graphic organizers incorporates all of these things! Not only are they engaging, but they’re fun! Every Monday, we create a word web together to introduce our phonics focus for the week. The kids get so excited listing words that it’s hard to get them to stop! I LOVE to doodle! Win-win! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">While you may not like to draw or are thinking you couldn’t make a stick figure with a ruler….don’t worry! Have a projector? Well, project a picture you’d like to use and trace away. Your kids will never know and they’ll think you’re an artistic genius! Even if you use your own stick figures, they’ll still think you’re an artistic genius! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MF8DZbm-m58/VQnKp5KTqkI/AAAAAAAAGQU/pH2lfuvEGtA/s1600-h/Slide3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide3" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nEJ7vzhHbIw/VQnKrOtSnaI/AAAAAAAAGQc/AMipCn1DWYo/Slide3_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide3" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">We incorporate guided writing toward the end of every week [during guided reading]. This is how we address our comprehension skill. Graphic organizers help students to represent abstract concepts in a concrete, organized, visual format. The brain remembers images more easily than just words. When graphic organizers are used to change words into images, both left- and right-brain learners can use those images to see the big picture. (Gregory &amp; Parry, 2006)</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Each group completes a graphic organizer or responsive writing that is specific to their guided reading book. Here, after students read quietly…we discussed story structure and I wrote what they told me about the book. After I wrote to provide an example for them, students created their own story maps by copying the information in&nbsp; an attractive, engaging format in their guided writing journals.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3HL3PSJWINk/VQnKseL7t0I/AAAAAAAAGQo/fGgWRPm3RxQ/s1600-h/Slide4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide4" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZlwPwINMFWE/VQnKtsL9-FI/AAAAAAAAGQw/cX0B3r30ypM/Slide4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide4" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Same week. Same concept. Two different guided reading groups. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">If time allows, students also enjoy sharing what they’ve learned and all students get to experience the gist of each of the different guided reading books that have been used over the course of the week.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O5bNEEn1bBk/VQnKuyNFefI/AAAAAAAAGQ4/8ZKMY1Bz4xw/s1600-h/Slide5%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide5" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iJZQxU7GQtU/VQnKv-pitkI/AAAAAAAAGQ8/SPiwZCDyBS4/Slide5_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide5" width="364" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">This is an example of something new we’ve just recently started. As we approach the final six weeks of the school year, our stories are getting harder and much longer. So that students have additional exposure to the story of the week, two of our reading books have been placed in a work station bin for students to read the story independently. After reading the story, there is an 'I Can' statement provided to guide them toward creating their own graphic organizer. Because we’ve been faithfully creating these each week in small group, they’re now ready to make them on their own! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I Can statements don’t always have to be fancy. Sometimes, they can get whipped up from a sharpie and blank sheet of typing paper. The important thing is for students to have an organized model to follow, IF they need it. =)</span><br /><br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WTyH8mT9jF0/VQnKxIbzsPI/AAAAAAAAGRI/nZn_pg_z2DA/s1600-h/Slide8%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide8" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LfXFo-ocAbk/VQnKyHcHhoI/AAAAAAAAGRQ/tg_d7YrxwI0/Slide8_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide8" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Graphic organizers&nbsp;can take on fun shapes too! </span><br /><br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KStzSjpYPIY/VQnKzJv43rI/AAAAAAAAGRY/o3tXhYNcj2c/s1600-h/Slide9%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide9" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0RKbTvplT50/VQnK0Kp7dvI/AAAAAAAAGRg/tuTlHZ5fUJ0/Slide9_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide9" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">In our classroom, kids help create everything. They are much more likely to be engaged and remember what was taught if they have a hand in creating it. Just sitting and watching me have all the fun isn’t actively learning.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B52D4SGrnag/VQnK1qcrejI/AAAAAAAAGRo/nKy8BRrCo0U/s1600-h/Slide7%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide7" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-33NArb2sY2I/VQnK2Yj1byI/AAAAAAAAGRs/h2c7nyr3OqY/Slide7_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide7" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">This year, we’ve also focused on pumping a little life into our graphic organizers! Just like they can take on shape…they can be 3D too! Using 3D graphic organizers lends itself to project based learning….yet another, brain compatible strategy to&nbsp;grow those dendrites! </span><br /><br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q8dG6U63Zho/VQnK3WBPcmI/AAAAAAAAGR4/BFMMz92X1WU/s1600-h/Slide6%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide6" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pzOX_w6iJ1g/VQnK4dfQ9DI/AAAAAAAAGSA/PeMEocOg8go/Slide6_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide6" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">They’re great for every subject area. Again, let kids help create charts! Let them color them, touch them….construct them. Let them guide the creation of them. It’s in the “doing” that they’re learning. If time is an issue, {When isn’t it?} I create the background and the kids add the content.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r5M1uUoh1tE/VQnK5a58wDI/AAAAAAAAGSI/j-VOjuAFRok/s1600-h/Slide10%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide10" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-l7iMZ49OIg0/VQnK6XzXJaI/AAAAAAAAGSQ/sZqaz7D1hYg/Slide10_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide10" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">They’re not just for reading! We’ve adapted the Frayer model for tons of uses in math too! We fold and learn a lot! =)</span><br /><br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aPQYsucOvZ0/VQnK8P1f4pI/AAAAAAAAGSY/rWZ2hcbWJV8/s1600-h/Slide11%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide11" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HTY49q7qQiU/VQnK9EU9JuI/AAAAAAAAGSc/l-DzFIgFwco/Slide11_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide11" width="364" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">We build our classroom community with them as often as possible. This little book is one of my all time favorites! I usually whip it out as we review routines to begin the second semester. One of my coworkers introduced it to me years ago and I’ve been reading it ever since! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Waq7LUxYqCo/VQnK-fBFg2I/AAAAAAAAGSo/KIM4L3r-s44/s1600-h/Slide1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide1" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oldIh17SflU/VQnK_lvTogI/AAAAAAAAGSs/DF-2RKaZzUg/Slide1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide1" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Here’s my reflection on Strategy 5. I hope you’ve found a little something helpful in this post. I’m looking forward to continuing this book study. Each of the sections I’ve read so far have been a big affirmation of personal beliefs and strategies we’re enjoying in our classroom. It’s also given me a greater understanding of the brain research that supports each of these strategies. Reading this book has&nbsp;allowed me&nbsp;time to reflect over how I can improve those strategies and consider how to add more tools to the “toolbox”. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Strategy 6</strong> is all about the use of <em>HUMOR</em> in the classroom. What can I say? I’m goofy. I have the attention span of a 6/7 year old. I love to laugh! It makes the kiddos and I ooper schmooper compatible. Humor is usually one of the bullets my administrators list as a strength on my yearly evaluation. I think it’s their very nice way of saying…thanks for sharing your goofiness! LOL! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">It’s important to love what you do. How else can you express joy, if you don’t enjoy the work you do every day? My BIG TAKE AWAY from Chapter 6? Sarcasm is the opposite of humor. It tears children down and can be demeaning. Don’t use it. While older students or advanced students may be able to get the humor part of it, most young children cannot and it can be damaging to them. Soooo, share a laugh. Wear a funny hat or shirt. Dance! Play! Make a funny face and LOVE what you do! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I hope you’re enjoying this book study as much as I am! </span><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;">Stop by <a href="http://fabulousinfirst.blogspot.com/2015/03/book-study-worksheets-dont-grow.html" target="_blank">Fabulous in First</a> to read about Strategy 5 and hop through the links. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;">S</span><span style="font-size: medium;">top by <a href="http://oneextradegree.blogspot.com/2015/03/book-study-worksheets-dont-grow.html" target="_blank">One Extra Degree</a> to read about Strategy 6 and hop through the links. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span>&nbsp;</div><span style="font-size: medium;">Later, gators! </span>Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-6758745301931600902015-03-17T13:54:00.004-05:002015-03-17T20:44:08.738-05:00What kind of pet would YOU like to have? {Research FREEbie}<span style="font-size: medium;">Hi Friends! How are ya? Today started out a little wonky with a dead car battery and will end with a visit to the torture chamber a.k.a the dentist….so in between all the randomness of the day, I thought I’d stop in to share a little research fun.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hGB73qrd2tU/VQh2a8fqtBI/AAAAAAAAGN8/gl6lUMZZNtY/s1600-h/Slide1%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide1" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-F4J_ki7khWo/VQh2bSrbQNI/AAAAAAAAGOE/O5PqotqwVnE/Slide1_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="556" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide1" width="465" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Conducting simple research is an on-going topic for us and my little class of curious firsties is LOVIN’ it! After completing research using biographies, we tackled pets/animals next. The little chart above was created to document partner discussions at the carpet. Kiddos shared 1 target question about an animal they would like to have as a pet. After lively discussions with partners, we listed the questions to share and give each other ideas before recording the pet/animal on one sticky note and the 1 question on another.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-V5s4cPwOoW4/VQh2cRTEniI/AAAAAAAAGOM/G9yucPrW2wc/s1600-h/Slide3%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide3" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JzknxxNG6zM/VQh2dD3N4II/AAAAAAAAGOU/W0RpNmKPqDI/Slide3_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="396" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide3" width="658" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">We visit the computer lab once each week. During our computer lab time, students worked with helping partners to take notes. Each student was responsible for finding 3 facts that were connected to answer their guiding question.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">What’s a helping partner? Glad you asked! I allow students to choose who they will work with when its time for partner activities. There’s only 1 rule. You must choose a partner that is NOT in your reading group. Reading groups contain friends with like abilities right now. Whole group and partner activities involve mixed ability groupings, sooooo when we work with a partner, it’s part of our classroom culture for stronger readers to be paired with a friend that may need a little more help. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I alternate, how they choose…sometimes the friends who need a little more help get to choose a partner. Sometimes, the strong readers choose. It’s created an environment of empathy and compassion that I’m very proud of. BFFs make for great pals at recess or during free time, but they can be very distracting when it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JgNSklvY1-A/VQh2d_6ajkI/AAAAAAAAGOc/cAX9newAjHM/s1600-h/Slide2%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide2" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-diyfMT4bRvk/VQh2emn6rVI/AAAAAAAAGOk/X0pbhzpsVv0/Slide2_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="577" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide2" width="482" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Over the course of the week, students worked together during writer’s workshop to complete their writing and illustrations. This little research project was also an extension of our story for the week, <em><u>Whistle for Willie</u></em> by Ezra Jack Keats. It made for a lot of connections between reading and writing and even science! In order to take care of a pet, you have to know what a living thing needs to survive. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">As we enjoyed stories by Ezra Jack Keats and about real animals online, students were also exposed to elements of media literacy. It was a wonderful week of all the little pieces we’ve been learning over the past few weeks coming together in lots of teachable moments. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">When I complimented the class on doing such an amazing job with their second research project, the “Teacher Jrs” came up with a great idea! The trouble with giving a class of kiddos creative control is that once they’re used to it, they’ll exercise that right…lol! So, next….they put me to work! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AoD1eZFgTGA/VQh2fgb8oNI/AAAAAAAAGOs/kIWyavbmpaM/s1600-h/Slide4%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide4" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-30RiJZNMg0o/VQh2ge9O-PI/AAAAAAAAGO0/DJLwJG23QnQ/Slide4_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="374" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide4" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I was asked to create a cover, so we could compile our writings into a class book! Here’s a look at how it turned out…</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-n6jsRz3emfU/VQh2hShS44I/AAAAAAAAGO8/229I4zCZV0E/s1600-h/Slide5%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide5" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LID_xVOWYkk/VQh2iQi6XaI/AAAAAAAAGPE/aH3zuViquGQ/Slide5_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="340" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide5" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">…and now we have a brand new book full of facts about pets…and a class of firsties excited about research! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N_cf3Dx3SLw/VQh2i6WqzQI/AAAAAAAAGPM/wc8QP0owfVg/s1600-h/Slide6%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide6" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-liQkEFd5g1Y/VQh2jlpENhI/AAAAAAAAGPU/JbKaW4HptNE/Slide6_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide6" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Just like little Peter enjoyed learning how to do something new, it’s been a joy to watch my kiddos grow as readers and writers and now…..researchers.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--rbLld42PIg/VQh2kuNhlQI/AAAAAAAAGPc/8MihF1wLmn4/s1600-h/Slide7%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide7" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W5LOXnR1Cgc/VQh2lvbk63I/AAAAAAAAGPk/f7RzXk9KxcQ/Slide7_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide7" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">With research complete and open house done, smart art was on the agenda for Friday. Researchers can be artists too! Willie jumped right out of the pages of the book onto the streets of our little city! When Peter’s mom sent him to the store, it looks like he whistled all the way to HEB and back! Just in case you don’t live in TX, HEB is our local grocery store. It’s the ONLY grocery store in a lot of areas! =)</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4jdVQT2GqP9RHRBNlpjR1NLaEE/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4jdVQT2GqP9RHRBNlpjR1NLaEE/view?usp=sharing" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U_eR7qphrDg/VQh2nbQMH_I/AAAAAAAAGP0/2392siIwplc/petresearchFREEBIE_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="petresearchFREEBIE" width="644" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Click the pic above to grab this little FREEBIE to get your research on too! Either I really like having choices or I’m indecisive….either way {lol} there are two choices of note taking pages and two choices of writing paper for your student’s final drafts, including a “back of the page” sheet and a cover if you’d like to make a class book too. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Enjoy and happy researching!</span>Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-86247584319871797562015-03-14T13:03:00.001-05:002015-03-14T13:03:04.209-05:005 Things Ms. Dwyer Says…<span style="font-size: medium;">Hi, Friends! How are ya? In an effort to make myself blog on a more regular basis, I’m jumping back into Five for Friday with Kacey at Doodlebugs Teaching! This week, I’m sharing 5 things that I find myself saying daily. You know, those little things that are a spoken language between you and your littles. The language of love that develops and binds you together as a little family.</span><br /><br /><span><strong>Number 1…</strong></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-beVPMtBMyiI/VQR2R7QIWUI/AAAAAAAAGMY/pR4ZMnbo7J4/s1600-h/IMG_6767%25255B5%25255D.png"><img alt="IMG_6767" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3ObzqwHwTMM/VQR2S2ECORI/AAAAAAAAGMg/XaOwxC-jGJ4/IMG_6767_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6767" width="484" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">We sing this little diddy. When I notice a friend has forgotten to begin a sentence with a capital letter, I start singing “<em>Every sentence</em>….and because we do this every.single.day…the class joins in and finishes the sentence….<em>begins with a CAPITAL letter</em>! Fun! And the guilty party&nbsp; or parties usually go back, erase and write their capital letter in!</span><br /><br /><span><strong>Number 2…</strong></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YA9T4mY7Jz0/VQR2T-eMSjI/AAAAAAAAGMo/kW8hjFDI4-o/s1600-h/IMG_6768%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="IMG_6768" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8apYgcB51i8/VQR2UuHQBqI/AAAAAAAAGMs/JQK1ZH2dUdY/IMG_6768_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6768" width="484" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">{Self explanatory!}</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span><strong>Number 3…</strong></span><br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2oleBFlJa00/VQR2VU6sE4I/AAAAAAAAGM4/u4t8m_nlyVc/s1600-h/IMG_6769%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="IMG_6769" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OufbWRgF8Mo/VQR2WYmvJJI/AAAAAAAAGNA/Iv16HYAt7-4/IMG_6769_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6769" width="484" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">My one expectation for the completion of student work is that they always give their absolute best! There’s no slackin’ in Room 171; we make stuff happen! Knowing that, not everyone’s work will look exactly the same. Each student brings to the table a different personality, a different perspective on the world. I want them to understand their work is a reflection of them. How they complete it is how they present themselves to others that might see it. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Soooo, when we complete projects you will rarely find any copied patterns in our classroom. You’ll rarely find a color sheet. More often than not, what you will find is students beginning with a blank sheet of paper. A blank sheet of paper is a representation of endless possibilities. It’s a representation of them having the freedom to be creative. It’s a representation of them being able to uniquely express themselves. It’s me trusting them to show what they know in an organized way because I’ve taught them how. So, when I’m asked…do I have to use this color? Can I draw with a pencil or crayon? My response is…..you have creative control. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span><strong>Number 4…</strong></span><br /><strong><span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dz5GnkNf204/VQR2XVrDqrI/AAAAAAAAGNI/dqMkq-ihlGg/s1600-h/IMG_6772%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="IMG_6772" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kwuHRNQGJN0/VQR2YeLTw3I/AAAAAAAAGNQ/IWGqWNym6p4/IMG_6772_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6772" width="484" /></a></span></strong><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">We use this phrase during writer’s workshop A LOT! One sentence does not a story make! =P It usually leads to other questions too, like what is the problem in your story? How do the characters feel? How did they solve it? What details in your picture help to tell the story? Which leads to….</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span><strong>Number 5…</strong></span><br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-62F0PDoiGKA/VQR2ZUGEB9I/AAAAAAAAGNY/RLMwAb-hNxw/s1600-h/IMG_6773%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="IMG_6773" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-REW0AVKDMGs/VQR2aO3oKXI/AAAAAAAAGNg/291nR9r5n3M/IMG_6773_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6773" width="484" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Writing is rarely ever complete. There’s always more than can be added to tell a great story! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">What are some of <em>your </em>favorite phrases? </span><br /><br /><a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2015/03/five-for-friday-linky-party-march-13th.html"><img alt="fiveforfriday2_thumb[3][1]" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6QKN8SJ6Z8U/VQR2avuErzI/AAAAAAAAGNk/Qk8feP0FkNM/fiveforfriday2_thumb%25255B3%25255D%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="175" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="fiveforfriday2_thumb[3][1]" width="244" /></a>Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-38940081610364884752015-03-13T00:07:00.000-05:002015-03-13T00:21:25.686-05:00Biographical Research…So Proud!!!<span style="font-size: medium;">Hi Friends! How are ya? I’m tired, but still floating somewhere around cloud nine…too excited to sleep…soooooo I thought I’d shoo the crickets away from the blog by sharing with YOU! This evening we held our spring open house. While it made for a long day, it was definitely a great one! Watching most of my students bounce in the door ready to tell their parents all about what we’ve been learning made for a filled teacher heart!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">There are times when you wonder if your students actually hear anything you’re saying….(like over the course of 2 straight weeks&nbsp;of bad weather and NO RECESS). Tonight proved they’re listening. They’re always listening! The kids did an amazing job of walking their parents through the classroom and explaining how and why we use the things we do. The ONE thing they all had in common was being excited about the research we recently completed. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">When the first parent walked in the door asking about Pocahontas, I just smiled. Then the next one walked in wanting to know about Sacagawea and the next one and the next one…..came in asking about the person their kiddo had been researching. I quickly realized my kids had been going home sharing what they’d learned at school. My heart was filled with pride! The smiles on each kid’s face proved they were too! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PJ0pC-NzbtA/VQJtq6jtrXI/AAAAAAAAGKU/ATToHF4u_Dg/s1600-h/Slide1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide1" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NZAibJwT7RM/VQJtrhCMCAI/AAAAAAAAGKc/Jzdfk_fLePI/Slide1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide1" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">We have a required list of biographies that we must cover over the course of the year. I address those in whole group. When it comes to “kid work”…I’m a firm believer that choice equals engagement…..so for their small group {biographical} research projects, each student got to explore our online database to choose a person they were interested in. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2PLr-yXnvUE/VQJtsRWtMuI/AAAAAAAAGKk/XEXW3rYDCo8/s1600-h/Slide2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide2" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oumePae0Ju0/VQJts9fUiqI/AAAAAAAAGKs/XbwI2x5h4xw/Slide2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide2" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">We worked on this over the course of the last 4 weeks. I guess you really do grow to&nbsp;love something that takes you a whole month to complete! I precut the foldable. We completed 1 section each week during visits to the computer lab and during writer’s workshop. Students were split into 9 small groups of no more than 3. Each group was guided by a student leader.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q1AT_rCCj_M/VQJttT9AjWI/AAAAAAAAGK0/GTx4-OhiWvg/s1600-h/Slide3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide3" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_IYflI2Hw4k/VQJtuB2AXqI/AAAAAAAAGK8/HjIpTveqnZs/Slide3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide3" width="644" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Students took notes on a plain sheet of printer paper. From their notes, they recorded 3 facts they learned….</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-h31Dos7HncY/VQJtu3Qx6LI/AAAAAAAAGLE/ZGE7NYtGRrg/s1600-h/Slide4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide4" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0tSqqOfH4Go/VQJtvipwd2I/AAAAAAAAGLM/3ta0ZSLNl6U/Slide4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide4" width="644" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">…then recorded life span dates and created a timeline of 4 important life events in sequential order.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cymMdJcTi2s/VQJtwb2rV0I/AAAAAAAAGLU/RyzZcUKPyx8/s1600-h/Slide5%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide5" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-phz0NTGZSwU/VQJtw7kMY2I/AAAAAAAAGLc/V1QlDK1nQCM/Slide5_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide5" width="644" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">After illustrating the 4 important life events, students wrote a short booklet [using the events on the timeline] to write about the person’s life.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nJI4xaA1lQg/VQJtx1D6WEI/AAAAAAAAGLk/jal4YIxphQw/s1600-h/Slide6%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide6" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XdB_td0NSvE/VQJtyWTvaNI/AAAAAAAAGLo/3-50Gww5WBw/Slide6_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide6" width="401" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Cite our sources? Yep! 1st graders can do that! Luckily, our research database has an option for students to click and the correct format for the citation pops right up on the screen! Students click it and its immediately available for them to copy neatly. We use <a href="http://www.pebblego.com/">www.pebblego.com</a> for online research. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8GlGhhJN6ds/VQJtyzzIVhI/AAAAAAAAGL0/rY1-1blwC8s/s1600-h/Slide7%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide7" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-d5TO-MHWb6c/VQJtzZsUMKI/AAAAAAAAGL4/LYQdZWLECJA/Slide7_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide7" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Have you ever seen kiddos so engaged in the computer lab…..away from the computers?!!! They absolutely loved learning about real people! This afternoon bottoms were bouncing into the share chair ready teach friends. Those that came to open house had a second opportunity by sharing with their parents!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Seeing parents just as excited as the kids about what we’d been learning was an added plus!!! My littles amaze me a little more every day! Have I mentioned how much I love my class?</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a href="https://mcdn.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Biographical-Research-Fold-Learn-1425786305/large-1722995-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="BiographyResearch1415" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jsGG9cr1hm8/VQJt0O5UseI/AAAAAAAAGME/Wv02uLdRI00/BiographyResearch1415%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="BiographyResearch1415" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Click the pic above to get a closer look at our little project! After having some giveaway fun on Facebook, a sweet friend suggested creating a second version for older kiddos without primary lines, so this product has grown and now includes two versions. One with primary lines for firsties and one with wide-ruled lines for older kiddos. Check it out and happy researching!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I think I can head to bed now. There’s more fun to be had tomorrow and THEN…….we’re off for spring break! </span>Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-77269144069724705642015-02-26T23:13:00.001-06:002015-02-26T23:19:38.201-06:00Not all heroes wear capes…<span style="font-size: medium;">…some wear pots on their head! Isn’t she just the cutest?! It’s a blessing to work with someone with such a wonderful spirit. Her joy for teaching shines through in a big way! I’ve never left her presence without feeling better or happier than I was before seeing her. It’s obvious that she loves what she does and does what she loves! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gySNxw47NXk/VO_8479scuI/AAAAAAAAGIc/QD166zlYLgE/s1600-h/Slide1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide1" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f5pFhciKs7o/VO_86MQqbcI/AAAAAAAAGIk/f6jhS1TZQkk/Slide1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="358" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide1" width="477" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Some heroes enjoy school celebrations! I always look forward to special days at school because I know this team will go all IN! You can guess what day it was when this pic was snapped! You got it…the 100th day!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GkDaiU3pxLk/VO_87L0T7RI/AAAAAAAAGIs/8hSfkBzrX-o/s1600-h/IMG_6362%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_6362" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-srhb8iUMLKw/VO_88f1iZ3I/AAAAAAAAGI0/D5mBl261hLE/IMG_6362_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="482" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_6362" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Some heroes inspire with their friendship and genuine collaborative spirits. Brainstorming with these two is the best!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lW-5AVtvfE0/VO_89ccO7kI/AAAAAAAAGI8/FANQakndLyQ/s1600-h/IMG_5317%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_5317" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1J1ixII7Gig/VO_8-X8RjeI/AAAAAAAAGJE/boF2uEkkwMg/IMG_5317_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_5317" width="364" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Some of the best teachers I’ve ever had the joy of working with and that inspire me the most are only 6 years old! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e2Qqg-SFqjs/VO_8_bC2UXI/AAAAAAAAGJM/w6QiRj3BHMU/s1600-h/Slide2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide2" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-x4NmcI0jbEU/VO_9Ac16OeI/AAAAAAAAGJU/YzZXUujJ1Dw/Slide2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide2" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Not all heroes wear capes….some are willing to engage students with a funny hat. Some enjoy special days. Some share their genuine love for teaching or a simple smile as you pass them in the hall. I appreciate my personal teacher heroes. Each of them bravely give the best of themselves without hesitation. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Thank YOU for being one of my heroes too! As you’ve enjoyed the TPT sale today and yesterday, I hope you’ve taken a few minutes to reflect on the invisible cape you wear everyday or thanked a teacher hero in your life. Enjoy the new goodies you’ve picked up during the sale to continue inspiring our next generation of super heroes!&nbsp; And if you’re a night owl like me…you’ve still got&nbsp; a little time left to pick up a couple more goodies! =)</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Tanya-Dwyer" target="_blank"><img alt="Slide3" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ovhemNkY6mY/VO_9BOorvkI/AAAAAAAAGJc/pfM0qFjrLtk/Slide3%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="257" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide3" width="342" /></a></div>Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-68884414938971255252015-02-21T09:00:00.000-06:002015-02-21T10:29:05.047-06:00Bright Idea {Data Doors}<span style="font-size: medium;">Hi, Friends! How are you? This time of the month always brings me joy because it’s time to collabo on great ideas for the classroom….ready for another ‘bright idea’?</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cNVEpkVaflQ/VOgKPZ8X9pI/AAAAAAAAGHA/pqB9Q8SkItU/s1600-h/BrightIdeasButton1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="BrightIdeasButton1" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AC9ah5CBlmA/VOgKSQqWHuI/AAAAAAAAGHI/eU8QrtK2alE/BrightIdeasButton1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="264" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="BrightIdeasButton1" width="264" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">My idea for this month is a little one that packs a LOT of punch! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KPHwi9q6H9M/VOgKWKv_xFI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/ZXlEhMX-TwI/s1600-h/Slide1%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide1" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GWxKKLtuits/VOgKZoPitII/AAAAAAAAGHY/DnUXkOv_XEg/Slide1_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="640" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide1" width="390" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Organizing data is an ongoing topic that can be incorporated into any subject area. Answering questions, taking surveys, documenting responses….all lends itself to being organized onto bar-type or picture graphs. Rather than going to the workroom to grab that giant sheet of butcher paper each time, just use your classroom door! (Hopefully, most of your students won’t all make the same choice as mine did on this one, lol!)</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gJhILUL8h6Y/VOgKaVR3nLI/AAAAAAAAGHg/gNKrOx1Ncoc/s1600-h/Slide2%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide2" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EumYK6Ap9jI/VOgKbQOT_II/AAAAAAAAGHo/QkgZZmcp46Q/Slide2_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide2" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Create a basic set up that can be changed out quickly.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ql8Qoy6o0d4/VOgKdm2WDrI/AAAAAAAAGHw/AO9j5IA1UEs/s1600-h/Slide3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide3" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aijPZbnf0ZE/VOgKgozrlPI/AAAAAAAAGH4/46d-DrGjJPc/Slide3_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide3" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Holidays and monthly themes can be incorporated easily. By this time of year, students can also record information after analyzing the data.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RvfWA2T5V1I/VOgKjfVENiI/AAAAAAAAGIA/J8OuiX2NqOs/s1600-h/Slide4%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide4" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4pGLDsg4y88/VOgKm3ktabI/AAAAAAAAGII/jispZDo9Lv4/Slide4_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="518" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide4" width="386" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">…and you have a larger area to work with than you might generally have using butcher paper. When you’re ready to change it out, just take down the items you used to represent each student’s choice for that graph and replace it with a new title or question to create the next one! Sticky notes are a fantastic choice for creating bar graphs! Easy peasy and you have a large data display for students to see each time you enter and exit the classroom! Want your students to transfer the graph to paper? It’s big enough for everyone to see in order to do so! =)</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Thanks for stopping by! If you enjoyed this bright idea, please consider joining me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aplusfirsties" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://instagram.com/aplusfirsties" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/aplusfirsties" target="_blank">Twitter</a> for more great ideas. I update these sites {almost} daily.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">For more bright ideas from other bloggers, please browse through the link-up below and choose a topic/grade level that interests you. Thanks again, for stopping by! Happy blog hopping!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /><div class="InLinkzContainer" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/luwpview.php?id=496283" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div><script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end InLinkz script -->Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-44862392721171723592015-01-17T09:00:00.000-06:002015-01-17T09:00:03.523-06:00Bright Idea {Sit, stand...what's YOUR plan?}<span style="font-size: medium;">Welcome to the very 1st Bright Idea Hop of the new year! How are ya?</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VnSc-3QHcwc/VLniTpR15KI/AAAAAAAAGFs/2POh3JrrklE/s1600-h/BrightIdeasButton1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="BrightIdeasButton1" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PLapR2xCZr0/VLniUe_tPyI/AAAAAAAAGFw/gsuRZ8e-GIw/BrightIdeasButton1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="267" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="BrightIdeasButton1" width="267" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">We returned to school from Christmas break just two short weeks ago. The first thing we did was review routines and procedures, so I thought I’d share a quick classroom management tip! </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Have kids that struggle to sit in their chairs? Ants in their pants? Just can’t sit still….need to move? Then this is the bright idea for YOU! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hGqL0hEIKec/VLniU7Ny4VI/AAAAAAAAGF8/wsrksr8GIkI/s1600-h/Slide1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide1" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qI1ACP1Y38w/VLniVnZWB1I/AAAAAAAAGGA/Si4HIN9-dos/Slide1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide1" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Ever get that question from any of your students? I do….all.the.time! My answer? YES!!! If standing is more comfortable for you, then by all means…..help yourself! Not every kid is comfortable sitting in a hard chair or even wants to sit at all, lol! Rather than fight kid energy, I try to incorporate it into learning as much as humanly possible. My kids have a great deal of choice in their learning and being able to decide how they can best work comfortably is one of them. Sit, stand, lay on your tummy….as long as you’re being productive and not infringing upon another friend’s space, you’re free to decide how you’ll position your body for independent learning.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Side note: Adults entering the classroom should be forewarned to watch their step, there will be kids hard at work…..EVERYWHERE! LOL! =)</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jWPOAP6gEEs/VLniWebXg2I/AAAAAAAAGGM/cwfRQO3fckc/s1600-h/Slide2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide2" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kfAf_Q_bO8s/VLniXLZ5yWI/AAAAAAAAGGU/JbFWkOA1L4E/Slide2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide2" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Having more than one type of seating also offers options. W</span><span style="font-size: medium;">e have several different types of seating in our classroom too! Our ‘Read to Self’ chairs are GREAT for students who need to bounce and move while&nbsp;learning! I’ll take them bouncing and learning anytime over interrupting the lesson because of behavior. When we need to spread out, I split the class between the tables and the floor. Students understand that working away from a traditional seat does not equal play time. It’s designed to provide comfort in order to do quality work. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-G-K1EwDwUCg/VLniX7bMqyI/AAAAAAAAGGc/opqrdvj6uFg/s1600-h/Slide3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide3" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ctyt4LUQ9EM/VLniYl-hsMI/AAAAAAAAGGk/RZZ79Me5vVI/Slide3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide3" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">…and if you were to walk into our classroom and actually find us working at tables, students also have the freedom to choose where they will sit, depending upon what we’re working on. The choice gives them the feeling of being in control of their learning. It also makes for a happy teacher, because they’re busily going about the business of becoming independent learners in the way they’re most comfortable. Win. Win!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Students need to stand? Let them! Need to wiggle? Consider novelty chairs that will allow them to do so. Love the cool of the floor? Enjoy! Choice leads to engagement. Comfort leads to focus….=)</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">If you liked this bright idea consider following here, on the blog, or join me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aplusfirsties" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or <a href="http://instagram.com/aplusfirsties" target="_blank">Instagram</a> for more ideas to spark creativity and imagination.&nbsp;&nbsp;For more bright ideas from a variety of awesome bloggers, please browse through the link-up below and choose a topic/grade level that interests you. Thanks for visiting!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /><div class="InLinkzContainer" id="483665"><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/luwpview.php?id=483665" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div><script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end InLinkz script -->Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-52852234220283248982015-01-11T01:34:00.002-06:002015-01-11T23:56:39.699-06:00Five for Friday {First Week Back}<span style="font-size: medium;">Hi Friends! How are ya? Did you have a great first week back at school? My kiddos and I had a busy week of review and catch up! We were all a hot.sick.mess during the weeks leading up to Christmas…..so we had to use our first week back to review.review.review and CATCH UP! And by golly, I think we’ve done it!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2015/01/five-for-friday-linky-party-january-9.html" target="_blank"><img alt="fiveforfriday2_thumb[3][1]" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-B349AkM0IzI/VLIiXm1RnEI/AAAAAAAAGD0/GTGQ-ybQERo/fiveforfriday2_thumb%25255B3%25255D%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="199" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="fiveforfriday2_thumb[3][1]" width="277" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m linking up with Kacey at <a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2015/01/five-for-friday-linky-party-january-9.html" target="_blank">Doodle Bugs Teaching</a> to share our faves from this past week.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jr6uvGjfER0/VLIibf9Xj9I/AAAAAAAAGD8/ac283E1uGuY/s1600-h/Slide1%25255B12%25255D.png"><img alt="Slide1" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iP9k3WXP6NY/VLIidMFBusI/AAAAAAAAGEE/34f_yG7mkP8/Slide1_thumb%25255B10%25255D.png?imgmax=800" height="514" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide1" width="391" /></a></div><blockquote><span style="font-size: medium;">We skip counted through the week in math! Notice the typo on the 5’s chart? Ugh! Not sure what we were thinking…thank goodness for my eagle-eyed team mate! It’s all <strike>fixed </strike>scribbled over to say <em>in</em> instead of <em>is</em> now. When you teach syllabication in the morning, and skip counting in the afternoon…..BEWARE….you may end up with big words on your math anchor chart! =)</span></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z3IsHOgXKDU/VLIigAiw4qI/AAAAAAAAGEM/YoO7fG1YEzY/s1600-h/Slide2%25255B7%25255D.png"><img alt="Slide2" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tKmRiIuRXfQ/VLIihzy8BcI/AAAAAAAAGEU/yQBAL3fk2ns/Slide2_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" height="521" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide2" width="389" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Simply [rote] skip counting is of days past. Now, our standards call for skip counting sets of objects….the day we worked on counting by 5’s we each traced our hands and lined them up across the carpet to count sets of 5 little fingers! Kiddos loved how long the line was and were utterly amazed when they discovered how many fingers there are in our classroom! After we counted them, 3 students worked together to label each of the hands in order beginning with 5 before I hung them up to use as a reference.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2w6rl5sy99I/VLIiltF2JiI/AAAAAAAAGEc/hwMwP0aopXE/s1600-h/Slide3%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="Slide3" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UkXKe7SdH-0/VLIinYbwb9I/AAAAAAAAGEk/9b46Fboqyh0/Slide3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide3" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">This week, Smart Art began on Thursday. What we were going to do, would take some time….so it just couldn’t wait all the way until Friday.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I absolutely LOVE using the book <em><u>The Apple Pie Tree</u></em> by Zoe Hall to teach how the changing seasons effect plants. After reading it and discussing what happened to the apple pie tree during each season, we worked to illustrate what we had learned. As much as I love sharing an awesome book, I love tying in art even more…</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">On Thursday we worked to cut, glue, and draw details to illustrate winter and spring. On Friday, we flipped our little foldable over to illustrate summer and autumn. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Mb192FW2r3E/VLIirFbjkPI/AAAAAAAAGEs/IrOxFy-KQxo/s1600-h/Slide4%25255B4%25255D.png"><img alt="Slide4" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-p0tBB70_38k/VLIis6NErVI/AAAAAAAAGE0/P3dC8Fc5hd0/Slide4_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide4" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">The wonkiness of kids’ work adds character. No patterns were provided. I like seeing their personalities shine through their work. Each kiddo started with a blank sheet of paper and a model projected on the whiteboard as a guide to get started. Though we were all illustrating the seasons, each and every tree, leaf, and apple are unique because they were given creative control of the work they’d produce. Lots of happy smiles were seen among the mess of clips and snips of paper all over the room!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fBve1OjzjcI/VLIiwk_fC_I/AAAAAAAAGE8/vkHKmKg0RXM/s1600-h/Slide5%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="Slide5" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BDptyHmdoCs/VLIiyfJG4bI/AAAAAAAAGFE/lBZEjg9yOWY/Slide5_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide5" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Wanna peek inside? After giving summer and autumn a little time to dry, we opened them up to prep for next week. One of our performance assessments is to observe and record the weather over the course of a week. Last week….seasons. Next week….weather. We’ll use our little foldable to record the weather and relative temperature each morning. On Thursday, during our normal science lesson, we’ll read Gail Gibbons’ <em><u>Weather Words </u></em>and illustrate the vocabulary. Lastly, students will illustrate their favorite type of weather! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Creating a display type foldable added a little novelty to our work. Foldables shouldn’t have to always be flat! I love using them, BUT I don’t want my kiddos to get bored with them by continuously using the same kind all the time. They watched me prep this one for them and absolutely couldn’t wait to get their hands on it!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Will your little meteorologists be making observations about the weather soon? Click <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4jdVQT2GqP9SHlrb3M0Um1KVjQ/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">HERE</a> to grab the mini-pages we’ll be using. Check out some of the books and resources we’ll be using below!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><br /><script charset="utf-8" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_cw&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fmrdwsafi-20%2F8010%2F4cb08c4b-9bb5-41a3-a98f-f81738df9f10&amp;Operation=GetScriptTemplate" type="text/javascript"> </script> <noscript><a HREF="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_cw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fmrdwsafi-20%2F8010%2F4cb08c4b-9bb5-41a3-a98f-f81738df9f10&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widgets</A></noscript><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Happy weather watching! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teachingblogaddict.com/2015/01/january-9th-freebie-friday.html" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teachingblogaddict.com/2015/01/january-9th-freebie-friday.html" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RLUoh3QbvjM/VLIq-EtlhrI/AAAAAAAAGFY/-sswIiqchTw/s1600/teaching-blog-addict-free-printable%5B1%5D.png" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br />Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-50852276455129691482014-12-30T16:02:00.003-06:002014-12-30T16:05:50.162-06:00Holiday Flashback {I should be planning…}<span style="font-size: medium;">Hi, Friends! How are ya?&nbsp; It’s a c-c-c-c-cold, rainy day in our neck of the woods, so I THOUGHT I’d sit down to get a jump on planning for the first week back at school. Notice…I said, I THOUGHT……I’ve been staring at a blank screen for over an hour. If I look at it long enough, I’m sure plans will just jump onto the page, right? Mmmmm…wrong, so maybe a little happy flashbacking will get me in the mood to move forward. Wanna join me?</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FrH1SmAq9z0/VKMeuGUO7lI/AAAAAAAAGBY/Vx8fX4e57ls/s1600-h/Slide1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide1" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vGG5oHmQ4xI/VKMeutJWkEI/AAAAAAAAGBc/1WmUZOXj4-c/Slide1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide1" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">As we moved into the holiday season, all I could think of was having the time to enjoy working with my kiddos in a little more of a relaxed fashion. Music, fun, crafts and lots of memory making. This little project was one of our Thanksgiving favorites…</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Anytime a craft is planned, I try to think of what I can do to help my kiddos be successful. In order to get these placemats made, I used a ruler to pre-draw the lines for them to cut through so they’d just have to concentrate on cutting and weaving the mats. Snip, snip, snip…..stop (at the line). Snip, snip, snip…..stop (at the line). Weaving the mats took quite a bit of concentration! The best part of making these mats and memories was having our AP’s come in to make one with us too. At our school, we have 2 and they’re both pretty awesome!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VSTO-kBtxYM/VKMevDMM0SI/AAAAAAAAGBo/IJnDVv-oC-8/s1600-h/Slide2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide2" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-C4E2sMcnDO0/VKMev3zq2BI/AAAAAAAAGBs/_kGyLIDFb28/Slide2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide2" width="640" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">After reading to learn about the very first Thanksgiving, students wrote to share facts…..listened and followed directions to draw Squanto. Didn’t they do a great job?</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-csBuxK3dGko/VKMewbe9gqI/AAAAAAAAGB4/3pA2XYZ56dU/s1600-h/Slide3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide3" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GUn8QJl2skY/VKMewy_HDJI/AAAAAAAAGB8/cdv6jg9iOP4/Slide3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide3" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Just as quickly as Thanksgiving, came….it went. And THEN?! Then, it was time for the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. This year, we spread lots of gingerbread love throughout the entire 3 weeks leading up to the break. These activities were included in my little <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Gingerbread-Literacy-Stations-1585905" target="_blank">Gingerbread Literacy</a> packet. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hXxk481SWkw/VKMexgsGtCI/AAAAAAAAGCI/EgkyeDDGCos/s1600-h/Slide4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide4" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--X12FQ49uMk/VKMeyCI5qPI/AAAAAAAAGCM/4Aj9p96cq2s/Slide4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide4" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Homophones were a hit! I don’t know what it is about learning about them….my son talked about homophones for years after he completed 1st grade! Long after this lesson was done, my kiddos were still identifying homophones in stories and activities!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Vwham1IRWIE/VKMezIvvw4I/AAAAAAAAGCY/fa_juEqjCUY/s1600-h/Slide5%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide5" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TXmtHhhPMKo/VKMezynkwqI/AAAAAAAAGCc/o-KooeLf-Xc/Slide5_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide5" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Parent gifts left our whole hallway smelling yummy! We used equal parts of cinnamon and apple sauce to create quick, simple dough ornaments for our parents. It was a LOT of fun to watch kiddos create these as a culmination of our gingerbread story week. It didn’t require any big measurements, just two plastic cups filled to the same point….mix, kneed, and cut. That’s it! Oh, and let them dry for a few days…. =)</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XZnzU_2jr5o/VKMe0cxmtuI/AAAAAAAAGCk/FWnybXgKSdM/s1600-h/Slide6%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide6" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KiOOSndeQjE/VKMe0yIeTZI/AAAAAAAAGCs/zvFgVkfW2gM/Slide6_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide6" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Love is in the details…..so, we added a little touch of&nbsp; love&nbsp;by sending them home packaged in a bag decorated to look like Rudolph. When we ran out of bags, unexpectedly, we folded a sheet of brown construction paper into a cone, flattened it and stapled it together to package the remaining ornaments….love my creative kiddos! Necessity is the mother of invention, right? =)</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yM6gOHMwmqM/VKMe1QXt6_I/AAAAAAAAGC4/f2Td5UjsxZE/s1600-h/Slide7%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide7" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aBGLiF80ulc/VKMe2CGPLNI/AAAAAAAAGC8/rGKrh-bhutA/Slide7_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide7" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Week 2 brought about a little positive behavior incentive…..On Monday of that week, students completed an Elf Application. Our friendly, classroom Elf on the Shelf took them to the North Pole that night. As he returned each day, he posted 3 or 4 of them on our classroom door <em>that Santa had picked to be elves</em>. Students were selected to be an “elf” for the day to spread Christmas cheer by helping in the classroom and delivering Christmas RAKS to friends around our school. They absolutely LOVED it and couldn’t wait to see who would be selected as the Elves of the Day each morning as they entered the classroom. It was a GREAT behavior incentive that helped to control the chaos of those last two weeks! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VjGzSF_A9qg/VKMe2rZOjbI/AAAAAAAAGDI/SCrSLQ5fd9M/s1600-h/Slide8%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide8" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pzAiFFakO5w/VKMe3a8F8oI/AAAAAAAAGDM/0AkLt3xohhM/Slide8_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide8" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Gingerbread Day was just too sweet! What’s to say….they had a great time making their houses! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-leSz_BWIExE/VKMe3zS4y_I/AAAAAAAAGDY/r-NQRwZEgao/s1600-h/Slide9-TDwyer%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide9-TDwyer" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-I122n6U_Z_8/VKMe4sZUUCI/AAAAAAAAGDc/s-VUTYfzVNM/Slide9-TDwyer_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide9-TDwyer" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Thanks for taking this quick trip down Memory Lane with me…I think I’m ready to get to planning now. I’ve really enjoyed the break! I wonder what my kiddos are doing? </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Interested in seeing more of what we did leading up to the break? How about our elf shenanigans? You can find more fun in pictures on <a href="http://instagram.com/aplusfirsties" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. While you're there...follow! I share more pictures there that may not always make it onto the blog. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Alright, alright....I'm gone...back to planning {maybe}. =)</span>Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-86107944028134275732014-12-26T23:51:00.000-06:002014-12-27T00:01:41.789-06:00UNFROZEN Writing…<span style="font-size: medium;">Hi, Friends! How are ya? Did you enjoy your Christmas? It was a loud, crazy, fun-filled day here. Of our family Christmas traditions…I think relaxing in our pjs all of Christmas day is probably my favorite! My daughter, Deja, is a total movie buff…..she loves all things Marvel, action and Avengers….BUT when it was my sister’s and my turn to pick the movie we’d watch….{two women both in their 30’s}…we picked……FROZEN! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Ha! Yep….you read that right, FROZEN! It’s fun to be a kid at heart and we hadn’t watched it in a while. In fact, my kids have kinda all out refused to watch it anymore at all. Sooooo, having belted out <em>Let it Go</em> at the top of our lungs and laughing alongside our favorite little summer-lovin’ snowman, I thought I’d share a little writer’s workshop inspiration with you that we used before the break.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-72YlQdA8Zdo/VJ5GY7wwgpI/AAAAAAAAF_w/WDt4G_mEePA/s1600-h/Slide1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide1" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-raJMDvsNgHw/VJ5GZ9CawFI/AAAAAAAAF_4/l9F4C48W8rs/Slide1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide1" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m a visual learner…SUPER-DUPER visual <em>&amp; kinesthetic</em>. Gotta wiggle. So when we began a Lucy Calkins lesson on unfreezing our characters, my wheels got to turning! Often times, students will write and illustrate their work in the same old, stiff, forward facing way….welll, insert pictures pulled up from google image search to illustrate how characters have expressions and move and communicate and talk…and, and….to help drive home the point to kids that when we write our characters shouldn’t be frozen.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">On Day 1, we completed a quick image search for expressive pictures. We had previously discussed using speech or thought bubbles to help bring our characters to life through thought and conversation. By looking at the images online, it helped us to see that when we’re illustrating our work, characters should move and talk to express themselves too….they should be UNFROZEN. =)</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">On Day 2 &amp; beyond, we added typed labels to spell characters names correctly and added a word bank of student requested words. The characters were used as inspiration for writing a story, but were not required to be used in the story. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2uTlppLm3Dg/VJ5Ga7qLIgI/AAAAAAAAGAA/upIsAS4cI18/s1600-h/Slide2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide2" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9SZHRQLPEy0/VJ5Gb7f09WI/AAAAAAAAGAI/MzNZlaZ97MM/Slide2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide2" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">We absolutely couldn’t get started without a little mood music. Illustrating. Writing. Singing. Focused. Focused. Focused. Most students began with illustrations and even my moncho little men were engaged….(though they may not want to openly admit it). </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--ynhMqT-g14/VJ5Gc-kScsI/AAAAAAAAGAQ/J-uyoy5LDJU/s1600-h/Slide3-TDwyer%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide3-TDwyer" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O5xHKvXVz-Y/VJ5GduK50aI/AAAAAAAAGAY/WBrZEL7CmGk/Slide3-TDwyer_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide3-TDwyer" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Notice how Elsa is leaning back to unleash her powers? Olaf is “dancing” as he comes to life…</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7b35LLXfMmY/VJ5Gem30Y7I/AAAAAAAAGAg/POovHPaAMkc/s1600-h/Slide4%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide4" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k3ZNoSyVKzI/VJ5GfdUfk5I/AAAAAAAAGAo/VGRGU7Gr8Ns/Slide4_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="539" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide4" width="481" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">This friend chose to write across 3 pages to create a story about gingerbread ornaments that came to life! Not only is the gingerbread man riding into the story on a skateboard, but by the time the writer&nbsp;got to the third page, he&nbsp;added himself into the story too! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">We’re growing as writers and are developing a real love of writing. My kiddos know what days we’re going to hold writer’s workshop and if I go over by a minute without getting started, I get a swift talking to! By incorporating characters they know and love, music that’s dramatic….{who doesn’t need a little dramatic inspiration}, calm lighting, and visual representations of what I want them to be able to do…writer’s workshop has easily become one of the most enjoyable parts of our day.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4SR023lfXLg/VJ5GgpdjQXI/AAAAAAAAGAw/VEubqfs-IqI/s1600-h/Slide5%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide5" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7Xq6guQMpPM/VJ5GhX7cbVI/AAAAAAAAGA4/YPBwigm_hVY/Slide5_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="546" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide5" width="427" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Our ‘unfrozen’ characters even inspired our holiday door décor! Frosty met a new friend and the two quickly introduced themselves. Can you imagine how funny it would be if Frosty actually did meet Olaf? I bet he’d be able to explain to him what REALLY happens to snowmen in summer! Ha!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Every year, our campus holds a door decorating contest as part of our Christmas festivities. Guess who’s class won for Most Festive?!!! Yay!!!&nbsp;My girlies decided that it was their awesome snowflakes that tipped the scales in our favor, lol! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2MIOG4srvcs/VJ5GieEOPPI/AAAAAAAAGBA/QpqnQsVwMuU/s1600-h/Slide6%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide6" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4FwwNWV_eJs/VJ5GjGEcbHI/AAAAAAAAGBI/tts9h0sQeRM/Slide6_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide6" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Feeling like you’ve hit a slump in writer’s workshop? Just want a fun way to jazz it up a bit in the new year? Bring those characters to life by providing visual examples for your students and using their favorite characters as inspiration. They’ll love it! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">What do you like to do to keep the ideas flowing during writing time?</span>Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-84908345934976490992014-12-23T01:42:00.003-06:002014-12-23T10:58:19.237-06:00Sweet Fold & Learn Fun<span style="font-size: medium;">Hey, Friends! How are ya? I’m stopping in to share a little peek at our weeks that led up to Christmas. While we ended up having a great time spreading Christmas cheer, it didn’t come without a struggle. One friend shared a cough and achoooo and our whole class was through! Even me! It’s no fun being sick at Christmas time! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">When we’re all well, we like using fold and learn activities to make the rigor of math a little more fun! With Christmas just around the corner, we baked up a little gingerbread fun to explore number foundations. Can I share a secret with you? We’re friends, right? Wellllll, I tried my hand at interactive notebooking at the beginning of the year and guess what?! I didn’t like it! {Gasp!} I know……shhhhhhhhh….don’t tell anybody! Those notebooks have collected nothing but dust since Septemberish…</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I love all of the awesome products I’ve seen for interactive notebooking…..and I tried! We tried! We REALLY tried! BUT….glueing, cutting and pasting with firsties…in a notebook...nearly drove me bananas! It just didn’t work for me. Now….what did work for my little class of mathematicians is foldables…crafts, 3D graphic organizers….so, we’re getting our interactive learning on <em>this way</em>!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Sweet-Numbers-to-99-Fold-Learn-1615181" target="_blank"><img alt="Numbersto99FoldandLearn2_1415" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YRv63tGw7mY/VJkb_duVMzI/AAAAAAAAF98/wcyLODub6kY/Numbersto99FoldandLearn2_1415%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Numbersto99FoldandLearn2_1415" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Check out our latest interactive adventure!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-O0UlNyz2fi8/VJkcABczBhI/AAAAAAAAF-E/_mRTrP3HkQQ/s1600-h/Slide2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide2" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Hlv0Dn-AXYQ/VJkcA2n-2RI/AAAAAAAAF-I/cMwm1cHgzuk/Slide2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide2" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I always prep the basics, the bones. Doing this, allows for us to focus on the content of what we’re learning and on following directions to prep the inserts. Here, students reflected on counting forward and backwards by increments of 1. I thought this would be a snap because the numbers are the same, but as students completed this little task…you could almost see steam coming from their ears as they really followed directions to start from the right and move backwards. Counting backwards isn’t as easy as you think…especially, when you’re 6! They absolutely LOVED the novelty of the accordian fold. Did it make ‘em a little wonky? Just a few….my crew of Dwyer Jr’s (the little teachers to-be) stepped right up to help friends that needed a little assistance.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-89-q8nHAxIA/VJkcBtzPFGI/AAAAAAAAF-U/toh_OSS46Uw/s1600-h/Slide1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide1" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AWBf0UH3bis/VJkcCBJBvaI/AAAAAAAAF-c/ypmgINrKvP8/Slide1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide1" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Do you have dice in dice? If not, go get some! They’re a lot of fun and students don’t need two dice to play games…just one. To&nbsp;make numbers, students rolled their dice and used the number of pips on the outside for the digit in the tens place and the number of pips on top of the inside dice for the ones place. Students worked in pairs to roll a number, record it, then used comparative language to describe it as greater than, less than or equal to. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-otFkUiTVgGk/VJkcDMczgsI/AAAAAAAAF-k/KKtO2PrKCZg/s1600-h/Slide3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide3" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dxhDK4mkU5o/VJkcD7TBCQI/AAAAAAAAF-s/-5beLNz9dWg/Slide3_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide3" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Color coding ALWAYS comes in handy when you’re working with firsties! The first thing we did as we prepared to do a little mental math, was to color code the place for each digit. The tens place was outlined in red and the ones place was outlined in yellow. By doing this, when students were given a specific number, we could check to see if it was put in the correct place according to its value. After recording our numbers, we then practiced naming numbers that were 1 less and 1 more. Easy peasy, right? </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">We cut the graphic organizer down the middle and placed glue under the ten less strip to glue it down. Then, we placed glue under the ten more strip and glued it down. With one quick snip, we cut each of the horizontal “tens” or red lines….followed by one quick snip to cut the horizontal “ones” or yellow lines. Under the tens digit, students recorded the number that was ten less. Under the ones digit students recorded the number that was ten more than the number named on the outside. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FsVxB-jkbnE/VJkcEhl4saI/AAAAAAAAF-0/P-dWFVd0Lbw/s1600-h/Slide4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide4" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-etiilUgvDlM/VJkcFvpQzTI/AAAAAAAAF-4/2smGbIYkJ2o/Slide4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide4" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">We did the first two numbers together and then they were off and running to practice independently to complete the rest.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HGRwb-h8uss/VJkcGDMtW0I/AAAAAAAAF_E/93bruaZnedg/s1600-h/Slide5%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide5" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9RhHGymRPJE/VJkcGwTU_-I/AAAAAAAAF_I/IIgOFljgU6U/Slide5_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide5" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">We try to focus on solving story problems every Thursday. Here, each student had a single story problem to read and draw a picture to solve. If you look verrrry closely, you’ll notice that because we used a mailing envelope, under the area for the story problem is also a storage pocket. This comes in handy for friends that work at a slower pace that may need to store extra pieces or materials if we have to stop working or have to move on to something else before they’re completely ready.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7ye1SFJMhN4/VJkcHtAT5bI/AAAAAAAAF_U/tMYMUGhAzRw/s1600-h/Slide6%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide6" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-C_HD1hfS8Xs/VJkcIbKNqnI/AAAAAAAAF_c/dCG0g3ErvHk/Slide6_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide6" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">On the back, we prepared for working with greater numbers. We’ll be working on these same skills when we return in the new year….to 120. Here, students cut and glued to compare numbers to 100 using the math symbols for &lt; and &gt;. This is a picture of the cover…front and back! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Last summer, 2 of my creative co-workers led a training on using mailing envelopes to create graphic organizers. I left so inspired and excited to try them, but knew I’d have to wait until my firsties were ready to handle them. Well, folks…..they handled creating this little gem like champs! Second semester is gonna be so much MORE fun as we bring lots of concepts to life using these interactive, fold and learn activities! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Sadly, the flu bug took a huge chunk out of my sanity during the hustle and bustle leading up to the break. Bad for me….GOOD for you! I’ve listed this little activity in my TPT store for F-R-E-E, BUT just until Friday! Sooooooo, grab it while you can to add to your files for next year. On Friday, it will be priced for sale. Check it out….there will definitely be more to come! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Thanks for stopping by! Have a sweet Christmas! </span>Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-12621090628500898382014-12-20T20:01:00.000-06:002014-12-23T01:43:04.927-06:00The PERFECT Christmas Gift!<span style="font-size: medium;">Hey y’all! How are ya? Have you started your Christmas shopping yet…..or are you like me and work best <strike>at the last minute</strike>, ahem, I mean…..under pressure? Have a teacher friend to shop for or searching for a personal pick me up to prep for returning in the new year? I’ve got the PERFECT solution for you! …….a TPT gift certificate! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://corkboardconnections.blogspot.com/2014/12/tptgiftcertificate.html" target="_blank"><img alt="1965049_10205567974782628_5562465798615607051_n[1]" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FEhuWO3iFQo/VJYknJs7a3I/AAAAAAAAF9c/79EeYPlSu3g/1965049_10205567974782628_5562465798615607051_n%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="1965049_10205567974782628_5562465798615607051_n[1]" width="353" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m teaming up with a group of blogging buds to host a giveaway of nothing but $10 <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/" target="_blank">TeachersPayTeachers</a> gift certificates! Not only is it the perfect gift, but you’ll have the opportunity to win more than ONE! Each blogger’s giveaway may vary a little, so be sure to read the rules as you hop from blog to blog. The giveaway will run until December 23rd. You can enter using the rafflecopter below. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="e7548abc5" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e7548abc5/" id="rcwidget_j66puevm" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a></div><br /><script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><span style="font-size: medium;">Let’s stay connected! Join me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aplusfirsties" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://instagram.com/aplusfirsties" target="_blank">Instagram</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/aplusfirsties" target="_blank">Twitter</a> for more firstie fun and teaching ideas to come. I’m looking forward to catching up and sharing all that we’ve been up to now that I’ll have some time to relax! If you’ve never used any of my resources, stop by my <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Tanya-Dwyer" target="_blank">TPT store</a> to check them out! While you’re there, download a freebie to check out the quality of my work.&nbsp; I enjoy creating rigorous work station activities that are simple enough to be kid-friendly, yet challenging enough to meet the rigor of our required standards.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Gift-Certificate" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Gift-Certificate" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GJ4Mq66fLyM/VJY2iN_hLkI/AAAAAAAAF9s/VkxlWt1EqTc/s1600/gcscreenshot%5B1%5D.jpg" height="234" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Be sure to visit the link-up below. Enjoy your holiday break and if someone asks what you’d like for Christmas…..remember to tell them....a TPT gift certificate makes the <em>PERFECT</em> GIFT! Merry Christmas and don’t forget to check your email on Christmas Eve to see if you've won!&nbsp;=)</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /><div class="InLinkzContainer" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/luwpview.php?id=478582" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div><script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=116" type="text/javascript"></script> <!-- end InLinkz script -->Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-24694524982599150052014-11-25T10:54:00.004-06:002014-11-25T10:56:16.298-06:00Count Your Blessings {Giveaway}<span style="font-size: medium;">Hey, friends! How are ya? It’s such an awesome feeling to be enjoying a relaxing morning at home connecting with YOU! Settling in to relax for a week’s break couldn’t have come at a better time! There are so many things that I’m thankful for….as I count my blessings each day, you are definitely among them. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">We’ll go into that a little more later in the week….BUT today….today, I wanted to stop in to share a fun opportunity&nbsp;with you!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://enchantedkindergarden.blogspot.com/2014/11/its-my-30th-birthday.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Slide1" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-43cMoChpisk/VHSyfstPqbI/AAAAAAAAF7I/xYu2U6Z43fY/Slide1_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" height="326" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide1" width="504" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">My bloggy bud, Keri, is celebrating her 30th birthday with an awesome <a href="http://enchantedkindergarden.blogspot.com/2014/11/its-my-30th-birthday.html" target="_blank">giveaway</a>!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bzFqcl_1GQk/VHSyhD9ecHI/AAAAAAAAF7Q/K1kUqAEfl5Y/s1600-h/Slide2%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="Slide2" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-p_XOzIqFp6M/VHSyimLnj-I/AAAAAAAAF7Y/MbxavT4kgqo/Slide2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide2" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Check out what you can enter to WIN!!!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Clc6LXqCl7A/VHSykJvk9dI/AAAAAAAAF7g/iXTw8B53BYM/s1600-h/Slide3%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="Slide3" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iE1v7HWQQNY/VHSylb13X6I/AAAAAAAAF7o/os-eQLxU7o4/Slide3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide3" width="644" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PH37ZZQXrLo/VHSyqN560NI/AAAAAAAAF8A/7lRrh9Mbk7U/s1600-h/Slide5%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="Slide5" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z7d8YSkczV0/VHSyrr-MuVI/AAAAAAAAF8I/Sgxw9skQxDg/Slide5_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide5" width="644" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gNeZcPt7l0A/VHSywHhKwuI/AAAAAAAAF8g/tdtFbbfa2H4/s1600-h/Slide7%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="Slide7" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DM0HMCW0h8E/VHSyxu9wZuI/AAAAAAAAF8o/IAM-M66KvhA/Slide7_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide7" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Getting excited yet?!!!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9snpQczdodY/VHSyy-JzQ6I/AAAAAAAAF8w/P5qPi-Thny8/s1600-h/Slide8%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="Slide8" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o8jcZOMdgfc/VHSy0NSF2rI/AAAAAAAAF84/pG_RKJVUh8Q/Slide8_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide8" width="644" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</div><span style="font-size: medium;">Two giveaways in ONE, be sure to note which one you’re most interested in on rafflecopter. So many great prizes from so many talented teacher-authors! Enjoy and have a very Happy Thanksgiving! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/30a74d6b8/" id="rc-30a74d6b8" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script> Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-86533711622099917542014-11-15T09:00:00.000-06:002014-11-15T09:00:03.798-06:00Bright Ideas {Round-UP}<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZjuIB9Iow14/VGbVw1vTC-I/AAAAAAAAF6g/ZJVGCLfy5xw/s1600-h/bright%252520ideas%252520round%252520up-02%25255B4%25255D.png"><img alt="bright ideas round up-02" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q8CtF9y6kX0/VGbVxrzq3EI/AAAAAAAAF6o/XsOmsVGX980/bright%252520ideas%252520round%252520up-02_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" height="185" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="bright ideas round up-02" width="458" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span>&nbsp;<span style="font-size: medium;">Hey, Friends! Welcome to the November edition of the Bright Ideas Link-Up! This one is going to be a little different….and a special one! Loved finding so many bright ideas? Perhaps you missed a few? Well, no worries! Over the past 10 months, we’ve shared 1,000’s of awesome ideas through this fun monthly linky. This month, we’re re-capping all of those awesome ideas in ONE spot for you to catch any that you might’ve missed! </span> <span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">You can check out my previous posts for the year below:</span> &nbsp;<span style="font-size: medium;"> In March, I shared about one of my daily favorites….guided writing! It’s the perfect blend of reading and writing. The journals also serve as a natural way to collect meaningful documentation of student growth throughout the year!</span><br />&nbsp;<br /><u><span style="color: #0066cc;"></span></u><a href="http://www.aplusfirsties.blogspot.com/2014/03/bright-ideas-blog-hopguided-writing.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qBvNNj9DGYI/UxrE_eWfR4I/AAAAAAAAE18/m1BniOJ1C7I/s1600/Slide3.JPG" height="380" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="507" /></a> <span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">My next Bright Idea was about setting the classroom atmosphere.</span> It is SO important!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.aplusfirsties.blogspot.com/2014/05/bright-ideasetting-atmosphere.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Slide3" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1os-yi8G7gk/U3WlNut9CXI/AAAAAAAAFMo/4vnlroFHJR8/Slide3_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="512" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Slide3" width="365" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">June was all about organizing using student numbers. We use them for just about everything!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1PR1ZKsnAag/U6NWBr7vzOI/AAAAAAAAFWc/Hq2eiXOUKKw/s1600-h/Slide2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide2" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vRRC-tLflMA/U6NWDXXxJSI/AAAAAAAAFWk/pH1KjeMQSAc/Slide2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Slide2" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">August…..more organization! Oh, how I’ve loved using THIS bright idea! No more tangled spirals…..</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.aplusfirsties.blogspot.com/2014/08/its-bright-idea-time.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Slide3" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-a_rUB0rQlOc/U-7RreS9e_I/AAAAAAAAFoQ/4RD3bEVcHj8/Slide3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Slide3" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">September was all about instructional necessity….implementing [math] Problem of the Day. My kiddos wouldn’t let me skip this part of our routine if I tried! They love it!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3Ftajp8XfDg/VB0EgChQwXI/AAAAAAAAFyU/g3kwKaO0wbo/s1600-h/Slide2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide2" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fmGXX7t2l8c/VB0EgvWEsTI/AAAAAAAAFyc/29LR1LXJ9NU/Slide2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Slide2" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">In October, I shared a fun find. Initially, it was found during an online search for a shared reading resource. Later, I discovered the FREE was for a limited time only. Sad face……=(</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><a href="http://www.aplusfirsties.blogspot.com/2014/10/speak-who.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Slide1" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Tm54-cbWIzU/VEHkyf4dg9I/AAAAAAAAF4Y/C2o_0pGu4jE/Slide1%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Slide1" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Which…..catches us all up to the <em>here</em> and <em>now</em>! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I hope that you’ve enjoyed this quick wrap up, the bright ideas and that you’ve found an idea that you can easily use in your own classroom. Be sure to check out the link up below for tons more bright ideas from my friends! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Enjoy your day! </span><br /><br /><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /><div class="InLinkzContainer" id="465405"><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/luwpview.php?id=465405" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div><script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=115" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end InLinkz script -->Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-30643858727560498032014-11-07T23:06:00.000-06:002014-11-07T23:10:00.409-06:00Five for Friday {Let’s Catch up!}<span style="font-size: small;">Hey, ya’ll! I’m FINALLY&nbsp; coming out of football mom, tired teacher starting the year mode and finding a thing closer to balance! It’s been far too long and I’m dropping in to shoo away all those crickets that have been chirping around the blog! How’ve you been?! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">My sonshine played football for the first time this year and let me tell you….IF you’ve never experienced the joy of having a son in a Texas youth football league….it’s taken pretty darn seriously! It was like having a part time job! So, with that being said…I had to take a little break to be present for my favorite player. Noooow, that the season is done, let’s get back to a little blogging fun! </span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2014/11/five-for-friday-linky-party-november-7.html" target="_blank"><img alt="fiveforfriday2_thumb[3][1]" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q4V8o9NDWrA/VF2iEwUFPmI/AAAAAAAAF5A/m23CuqMjIG0/fiveforfriday2_thumb%25255B3%25255D%25255B1%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="175" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="fiveforfriday2_thumb[3][1]" width="244" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Here’s a little flashback over the last couple of weeks…..</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KGCHT6QnGcI/VF2iFuh_m-I/AAAAAAAAF5I/UPAYDAnQHC4/s1600-h/Slide1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide1" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Oj2njEr4WA0/VF2iGHMqKEI/AAAAAAAAF5Q/Q-badEXmTgw/Slide1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide1" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">This has easily become my favorite quick foldable! We’ve adopted it from the Frayer model. The Frayer model is used for vocabulary development. The middle section houses a word, with the four surrounding sections dedicated to defining the word, listing facts/characteristics, providing examples and listing non-examples. Wellllll, as you can see, we did not use it for vocabulary, but rather used it as a way of visually organizing information on our papers. Could we use it at a different time for vocabulary? Absolutely! I think this quick organizer will be awesome to use for any number of things!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">My students and I work and learn best when we’re creating, when we’re involved in the process of learning without the priority being the end product….so we complete a LOT of graphic organizers and foldables. This one provides us with the space to share the focus concept in the center, while dividing our paper into sections to show our learning. We also usually use them front and back. The example above shows how we illustrated 10’s and 1’s, then used the 120 chart to generate numbers.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">I prefold the paper for students by folding the paper into 4 squares, then taking the central corner of the paper and folding it down diagonally to create a triangle. When it’s&nbsp; unfolded, it reveals a rhombus in the middle with the 4 surrounding sections. Students are then instructed to trace the lines of the rhombus….followed by the 4 lines that are north, south, east, and west of it to create the writing spaces. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">You’ll definitely see more of this foldable!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ay5eujJtHYs/VF2iHFpF0BI/AAAAAAAAF5Y/nqGWjBGi1Hw/s1600-h/Slide2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide2" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ngA5npKwkxs/VF2iH6uPCaI/AAAAAAAAF5c/SrEIolmhRy4/Slide2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide2" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Place value is a tough concept for little learners, so we use lots of hands on fun and games to practice this skill. On this day, we rolled dice to build and compare numbers. Another simple foldable was used to record our learning. One fold straight down the vertical center of the page….the partners rolled, built, wrote numbers and recorded the comparison symbol on the fold line. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-d5vEO9a54gc/VF2iIh-6tCI/AAAAAAAAF5o/3ZXlm6G_Pj0/s1600-h/Slide3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide3" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R35c0X53dHk/VF2iJ7X9ZRI/AAAAAAAAF5w/_FbFLf4VByE/Slide3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide3" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Tired of foldables yet? Here’s just one more……I pre-folded the paper. Students traced the fold lines, then we practiced modeling numbers in different forms. Looks simple, right? Not! Remember, these are 1st graders. Awesome 1st graders….that need to wiggle move and take their time to organize their work. We went over each section of the first number together and then students worked to display the different number forms for the last 2 numbers while I rotated around the room helping.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Creating foldables also provides the opportunity for students to listen for my voice and become accustomed to following directions. While our end products are organized well, it’s still the process of creating that gets us the most bang for our learning buck! And you should see the pride shining on their little faces when they see what they’re truly capable of doing! It’s amazing!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6U3WcVww0VI/VF2iKfdSPVI/AAAAAAAAF54/wGy7IabI9Tc/s1600-h/Slide4%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide4" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-g1PBQTXZMto/VF2iLADtIyI/AAAAAAAAF58/FdTR8bCfsKg/Slide4_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="644" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide4" width="401" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Every once in a while, they let me hold the pen too…! Macrons (line placed over long vowels) and breves (indicates short vowel sound)…yep, we talk about those too! </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bO3kEG9qjtk/VF2iL7U2PnI/AAAAAAAAF6I/K-uHj1OeJEM/s1600-h/Slide5%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide5" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9K2TDr2KVX8/VF2iMlljeqI/AAAAAAAAF6M/eg1jukgf7M8/Slide5_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="644" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide5" width="402" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Writer’s workshop is moving right along! We’re enjoying Lucy Calkins lessons and are ALMOST done with our anchor chart. We’ve begun to publish, BUT have got to find the time to add the final step to our chart! That darn clock just keeps on ticking! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Wellllll, that’s what we’ve been up! What have you and your firsties been learning about? See ya again….real soon! =)</span>Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-7979284086805914412014-10-18T09:00:00.000-05:002014-10-18T13:59:33.568-05:00Speak a WHO?<span style="font-size: medium;">Hey, Friends! How are ya?&nbsp; It’s that time! Time for another bright idea!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">&nbsp;</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rt5582Uw_FI/VEHkwHyI7iI/AAAAAAAAF4I/SSU63aPn3Q8/s1600-h/BrightIdeasButton1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="BrightIdeasButton1" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kufEyC6Ndrk/VEHkxL323CI/AAAAAAAAF4Q/bDS5FxdvE-c/BrightIdeasButton1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="284" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="BrightIdeasButton1" width="284" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">This one….has quickly become a class favorite! While searching online for an animated version of our story of the week, I came across an adorable website that couldn’t be a bit easier to use! It’s called Speakaboos. Have you ever heard of it? Speak a WHO? Speakaboos! </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.speakaboos.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Slide1" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Tm54-cbWIzU/VEHkyf4dg9I/AAAAAAAAF4Y/C2o_0pGu4jE/Slide1%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide1" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">If you choose, you can enter an email address to receive a FREE story each month. Free! Yep! I’ll take it! There’s also an app for THAT! Don’t want to enter your email? No worries, just close the window and move forward to the website. It’s super simple, organized wonderfully and reads “everything” as the mouse moves over the screen. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Sooooooo, you know what my kiddos asked to use as their listening station for next week, right?</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.speakaboos.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Slide2" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Qq7swMsN5Mg/VEHkzbKkZRI/AAAAAAAAF4g/NiP7L4FYwU0/Slide2%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide2" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Yep! You guessed it! Speakaboos! Action stories, fairy tales, sports stories, ABCS &amp; 123s…..students can also click the wheel at the bottom to choose animated stories by character.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.speakaboos.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Slide3" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MK9BLh3mrk4/VEHkz-bdcHI/AAAAAAAAF4k/AjFi6ma7pbE/Slide3%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide3" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">The stories can be viewed within a frame or enlarged to fit the entire screen. SUPER kid friendly, beautifully designed…..and now another little resource for you to add to your toolbox! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I hope your class will enjoy it as much as we have. Now a class favorite….the question is no longer Speak a Who? Now, it’s when <em>CAN WE</em> Speakaboo?! Click <a href="http://www.speakaboos.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a> to visit the site and check it out!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">If you enjoyed this bright idea, consider joining me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aplusfirsties" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://instagram.com/aplusfirsties" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://twitter.com/aplusfirsties" target="_blank">Twitter </a>for more ideas to come! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">For more bright ideas from a variety of other bloggers, please browse the link-up below</span> and choose a topic/grade level that interests you. Thanks for stopping by! Happy Reading!<br /><br /><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /><div class="InLinkzContainer" id="455281"><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/luwpview.php?id=455281" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div><script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=115" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end InLinkz script -->Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-49777687762132235342014-09-27T01:30:00.000-05:002014-09-27T22:14:13.721-05:00Guided Reading Routines<span style="font-size: medium;">Hi, Friends! How are ya? Ready for the weekend? Me? Oh, yeaauuuuh! It’s been a doozy of a week! The highlight? I finally got to do my favorite thing on the planet! ….work with my kids on reading! TO TEACH! The beginning of the year comes with so many “must do’s” it’s almost as if the actual teaching gets put on the back burner. Welllll, being the type of gal that prefers teaching over assessing any day…..actually getting seated at the guided reading table with a group of kids was an absolute blast! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">After introducing our last area for Daily 5, it was time to dig in to the meat of why we spent the 1st 20 days building stamina to work independently.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hMKGE4b_aO4/VCZXfzjRnJI/AAAAAAAAFy8/z1kFFlA1SvE/s1600-h/Slide1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide1" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q5easvzzUss/VCZXgYEoMbI/AAAAAAAAFzA/cEgshcCa_g8/Slide1_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide1" width="347" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Last week, I promised to share a little more about our guided reading routines.&nbsp; As we’re starting to build them….here’s a little peek into our 1st week!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cW7wdI-I3TQ/VCZXhC0PcxI/AAAAAAAAFzM/CONHauXqs50/s1600-h/Slide3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide3" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FOeKks3Z_oE/VCZXh578yTI/AAAAAAAAFzU/p6Tu8Wfeb_I/Slide3_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide3" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Our guided reading block is a solid 2 hours. Every precious minute of it is jammed packed with mini-lessons and small group activities. The wonderful thing about our schedule is having extended instructional blocks. Our daily literacy block basically flows like this……Guided Reading, then Mini-Lesson, Guided Reading, then Mini-Lesson and Guided Reading, then mini-lesson followed by independent work (if time allows). In the past I had begun with a mini-lesson…..</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">I chose to start with small group instead of a mini-lesson because our literacy block falls just after intervention. By doing this, I make sure not to do any new teaching of concepts before my littles who may have been pulled out return to the classroom.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TKdz-BXmUpY/VCZXiYp7hfI/AAAAAAAAFzY/KleBsO8Ofu4/s1600-h/Slide4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide4" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7MqbftBGYS0/VCZXi16TY_I/AAAAAAAAFzg/jfzQ-2oWYXk/Slide4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide4" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Each round begins with students “checking in”. This year, I added “teacher table” clipart to the check-in for the group that is rotating to the table to check in first.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WfAZ6w0VfKI/VCZXjpIA-UI/AAAAAAAAFzs/OMt1hV-wpIs/s1600-h/Slide5%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide5" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Wew6Fje7sEQ/VCZXkFkUxTI/AAAAAAAAFzw/rRGZr3XO0rI/Slide5_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide5" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">The first thing we do is review sight words.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NDh4l7uc7kI/VCZXkkGYaZI/AAAAAAAAFz8/UhpELCn9NWk/s1600-h/Slide6%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide6" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xhbeg-I02QY/VCZXlrsA-TI/AAAAAAAAF0A/CVQ0wpYLJU4/Slide6_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide6" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Students practice writing on a laminated sheet of paper. A whiteboard could be easily used instead. I chose to go this route because taking whiteboards in and out was a little too big and bulky for me. Last year, I used contact paper to adhere them to the table. This year, students and I are sharing the space at the table, so I’ve left them free standing. You can click <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4jdVQT2GqP9bXI0VUV0SFRELW8/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">HERE</a> to grab them, if you think you’d like to use them.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">After reviewing 3 sight words, students are introduced to their book for the week or begin rereading their book with prompting. The goal of this time is active processing. I want to see my students encounter challenges and observe them as they problem solve to decode words. It’s during this time that I take individual running records and make notes of student reading behaviors. It generally takes about 8 minutes or so.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">After reading, we go over a quick discussion prompt that explores a comprehension strategy.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Then, one new sight word is taught. We go through the 4 activities below in order to learn this sight word. Each student has a little bin in front of them that houses magnetic letters to build the new sight word, pencils, a highlighter, expo marker and an eraser. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TEukrOvSNf4/VCZXmQpCP3I/AAAAAAAAF0M/Lu0B9QZmImY/s1600-h/Slide7%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide7" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8yxpsj-a4jI/VCZXmwUkXRI/AAAAAAAAF0Q/507UIu4UorM/Slide7_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide7" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Finally, we complete one of two activities. Early in the week, guided reading lessons conclude with word study. At our school, we use Wilson Fundations. It’s at this time, that we work to learn phonics patterns. During visits to the guided reading table later in the week, we complete guided writing or reading responses to deepen comprehension.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gpHNqlx8u_I/VCZXnj9rO7I/AAAAAAAAF0c/HZu5IbmhUnk/s1600-h/Slide8%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide8" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dBl1DXrceTw/VCZXoNVr06I/AAAAAAAAF0k/ska1ltMC4s8/Slide8_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide8" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">My file cabinet sits just behind the table. On word study days, we use these cards for word building. On guided writing days, I provide an example of the graphic organizer students will complete on a small whiteboard. Because it is not used daily, I’ve attached it to file cabinet with velcro. Sticks when we need it….pulls free when we don’t! =)</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ozMmlZPZb0Q/VCZXpMLBvWI/AAAAAAAAF0s/JHZoCjMi_Vo/s1600-h/Slide9%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide9" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZN5sWUMIWFA/VCZXpnR8HWI/AAAAAAAAF00/_KttkrZegbM/Slide9_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide9" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Guided writing notebooks are kept on a shelf close to the guided reading table. The label on the front of each bin indicates the name of the group…blue, purple, green or red. The symbols also correlate to the leveled readers from our series that we use for guided reading. We’ll use these journals throughout the year to complete guided writing, reading responses, and graphic organizers. They do not leave the classroom.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xTSPAQ2z0sQ/VCZXqgHK_pI/AAAAAAAAF08/QuuJ0yf3G6s/s1600-h/Slide10%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide10" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-StDP8EnrsJ4/VCZXraqEf2I/AAAAAAAAF1E/8OZ848s-X9c/Slide10_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide10" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Here’s an example of the graphic organizer we completed this week over sequence of events. The picture shows 3 out of my 4 reading groups. Same concept…differentiated. The first group responded by recording complete sentences from the story in the order of how they happened in the story. The second group, copied the time order words and illustrated what happened first, next and last. The final group, framed the verbs from their story’s pages and labeled each sticky note with an action from the story. That’s it! The End…ish.=)</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Each rotation to the table lasts about 18 minutes…..jam packed from start to finish!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--eGLFhjTeQU/VCZXsPHgrBI/AAAAAAAAF1M/IM6Jrhkf5kk/s1600-h/Slide11%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide11" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cI4V21jcxaA/VCZXsw2FqFI/AAAAAAAAF1U/M8l2DhDBMh0/Slide11_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide11" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">This is the little bin I keep close at hand during guided reading. For now, it houses little pointers, magnifying glasses, pencils, bloom’s questions, LOTS of sticky notes, stickers, coding dots, pictures for vowel sorts and letter formation cards. Other things may be added as the year progresses.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">What are my OTHER kids doing while I’m at the table with a small group? </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_BfuPwsRp-U/VCZXtkSKz2I/AAAAAAAAF1c/WLMM7XjsrgQ/s1600-h/Slide12%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide12" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5SYpNWbAhCE/VCZXuJO05_I/AAAAAAAAF1g/ToomEe9o3CQ/Slide12_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide12" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">They’re checked into Daily 5. They’re moving through routines for read to self, read to someone, listen to reading, work on writing, or word work to grow as readers and writers.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-F9Po6xNWTbQ/VCZXu1iL1lI/AAAAAAAAF1s/MxzsHL5pXEg/s1600-h/Slide13%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide13" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gFKFBCw2Lfc/VCZXvSMuzKI/AAAAAAAAF10/tbwLUx8qKSw/Slide13_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide13" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Of the 5 areas that students work on, I only have to prep materials for two of them. The first one of them is work on writing. There is one sterilite drawer at the writing table. In each of the 3 drawers is an activity to write on a given topic, focus on words, or build sentences. Each activity is complete with an I CAN statement to foster reading independence and a quick confidence boost! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ehvh3uQckLY/VCZXwOdKIzI/AAAAAAAAF18/bVy2Jgqq1ok/s1600-h/Slide14%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide14" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7psOrDRDUSo/VCZXw4duH8I/AAAAAAAAF2A/JSlc2ZXGvtg/Slide14_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide14" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">The 2nd of these areas is word work.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qvoVZLMNV4o/VCZXxnbaAzI/AAAAAAAAF2M/WEAWo03_yEs/s1600-h/Slide16%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide16" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RexlD1dBBeg/VCZXyL2H9rI/AAAAAAAAF2U/4p-SS548d9Q/Slide16_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide16" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Like writing, each bin houses an I CAN statement. All of the materials that students need to complete an activity are inside the bin. These activities will follow a pattern throughout the year to build students’ independence and familiarity.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hRrh6h4u71M/VCZXzPSyqqI/AAAAAAAAF2c/CLzGr5nXs_o/s1600-h/Slide17%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide17" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wm7LYJ_x2zI/VCZXzg3DF2I/AAAAAAAAF2g/Hgj3sK2mWnQ/Slide17_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide17" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">How do I motivate students to complete quality work? The simplest, easiest thing that I’ve found to motivate my students is hanging their work up for ALLLLLL to see! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oJF56r5mT-w/VCZX0bHaqrI/AAAAAAAAF2s/2tfI1RIAu2M/s1600-h/Slide15%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide15" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pNu-_LNEKRg/VCZX03eGGaI/AAAAAAAAF2w/NzB-vb1rnes/Slide15_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide15" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">A clip up comes with having your work framed as an example for your friends to follow too! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3HXVJ_3jSQ0/VCZX1hbu4eI/AAAAAAAAF28/BNDd2t0-4Zw/s1600-h/Slide18%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide18" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ab7T7FWDSjQ/VCZX6b0Y8AI/AAAAAAAAF3A/nDoVVAoUgFg/Slide18_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide18" width="463" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">And how do my students feel about this time of day? Oh, just like I DO! They love it……</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nuB-E3o4WmM/VCZX7I1WneI/AAAAAAAAF3M/59dEbl8HbXY/s1600-h/Slide19%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide19" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f-6yEDy8FGI/VCZX79Oc3SI/AAAAAAAAF3U/BFQRVljx5nM/Slide19_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="644" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide19" width="467" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Thanks for being patient as it took me a little longer than expected to get this post up! Getting ready for the week ahead? Click the pic below to grab the activities that my firsties will be working on! You can click <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4jdVQT2GqP9ZlVoSldsT0EyMkk/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">HERE</a> to check out my lesson plan format.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Happy guided reading, friends!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4jdVQT2GqP9VlVsQWU5ams3UGs/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img alt="fun at school" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5LoEMLEaIDg/VCZX8kmhQhI/AAAAAAAAF3c/KeE0Fs-i0So/fun%252520at%252520school%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="fun at school" width="644" /></a></div>Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-16045387951669300712014-09-20T09:00:00.000-05:002014-09-20T09:00:05.146-05:00Bright Idea {Problem Solving}<span style="font-size: medium;">Hi, Friends! How are ya? Are you ready for another Bright Idea? </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-36_zYQ1QJ-U/VB0EcZd-RDI/AAAAAAAAFxs/THFuwROQHfg/s1600-h/BrightIdeasButton1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="BrightIdeasButton1" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ln1X6kdUZRA/VB0EdJdapFI/AAAAAAAAFx0/crBLEm46qA4/BrightIdeasButton1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="229" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="BrightIdeasButton1" width="229" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Like most things that work out well in the classroom, this idea developed out of necessity. I needed something simple, quick, but meaningful as a daily opener for math. We begin math each day just after recess and it had to be an attention grabber to move forward with the lesson! Enter daily problem solving……</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_KMNU8_M9oM/VB0Ed1Q2b0I/AAAAAAAAFx8/eLJKPF17qkU/s1600-h/Slide1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide1" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-84H1u83mBcw/VB0Eeg539KI/AAAAAAAAFyE/Xv1aDHSHgDo/Slide1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide1" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">One sure way to get your firsties’ attention is to make learning personal! I incorporate students’ names into story problems each day. Because they know SOMEBODY’S name will be a part of the problem, they enjoy watching the problem pop up to read and see who it will be.&nbsp; I also sneak in our current phonics patterns and sight words to get in additional reading practice….(gotta get the biggest bang for my buck)! <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0gDa7rZ-Bdk/VB0EfIc70nI/AAAAAAAAFyI/6gs_vhYHCj0/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3Ftajp8XfDg/VB0EgChQwXI/AAAAAAAAFyU/g3kwKaO0wbo/s1600-h/Slide2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide2" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fmGXX7t2l8c/VB0EgvWEsTI/AAAAAAAAFyc/29LR1LXJ9NU/Slide2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide2" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">When I shared this little guy via Instagram and FB, I really didn’t think it would get as much attention as it did! Seriously, ya’ll…..it’s a very simple slide. It’s just a text box for the story problem and two doodle frames with a white center for us to write over and manipulate objects to help solve the problem. As we return from lunch, we take 3 minutes to “cool down”. As they’re cooling down, I’m gearing up for problem solving! I just click and type in a new problem and we move forward. It really is just that simple…..</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">The trick is tying the story problems to real world situations that students can relate to. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nXaqnim_168/VB0EhoMqR4I/AAAAAAAAFyk/SR9I4xUzVHE/s1600-h/Slide3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide3" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Zq-sUFrOinw/VB0EiPj0QjI/AAAAAAAAFys/ft7rdePQoxo/Slide3_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide3" width="644" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">In <em><u>Guided Math:&nbsp; A Framework for Mathematics Instruction</u></em>, Marilyn Burns is quoted as stating the following criteria for problem solving practice:</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size: medium;">There is a perplexing situation that the student understands.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">The student is interested in finding a solution.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">The student is unable to proceed directly toward a solution.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">The solution requires use of mathematical ideas.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size: medium;">By keeping these criteria in mind and incorporating the requirements for problem solving from our new state standards….we’re involved in math talks, using vocabulary, exploring mathematical concepts, applying concepts we’ve learned in math and learning to explain and justify our thinking! Using student names in problems and our {Mimio} interactive whiteboard makes it all f-u-n! The student that is featured in the problem also gets to come up and help solve it! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">As we move through the school year, problems will increase in difficulty and students will be expected to write to explain their thinking during math writing. Simple. Effective….daily problem solving! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">If you enjoyed this bright idea, please consider joining me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aplusfirsties" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://instagram.com/aplusfirsties" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://twitter.com/aplusfirsties" target="_blank">Twitter</a> for more great ideas.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">For more bright ideas from more than 100 different bloggers, please browse through the link-up below and choose a topic/grade level that interests you! Thanks for stopping by =)</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> <!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /><div class="InLinkzContainer" id="444583"><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/luwpview.php?id=444583" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div><script src="//static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=115" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end InLinkz script -->Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-8289404795445873192014-09-05T23:20:00.002-05:002014-09-05T23:24:23.478-05:00Five for Friday~Routines, Routines... & Making 10<span style="font-size: medium;">Hi, Friends! How are ya?! Another <a href="http://www.doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2014/09/five-for-friday-linky-party-september.html" target="_blank">Five for Friday</a> has rolled around….and we’ve officially survived the first two weeks!!&nbsp; Whooo hooo! Sit back and stay awhile….check out these 5 happenings from our TODAY! </span><br /><br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CBDxLCrJC8s/VAqH_ftJ9oI/AAAAAAAAFv4/vrUvjoRa1wk/s1600-h/fiveforfriday2_thumb%25255B3%25255D%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fiveforfriday2_thumb[3][1]" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nFNO5CmKids/VAqIAHBa_tI/AAAAAAAAFwA/tS-X_3KtbvQ/fiveforfriday2_thumb%25255B3%25255D%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="210" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="fiveforfriday2_thumb[3][1]" width="293" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Routines are taking shape! My little crew of firsties and I are getting to know one another and meeting expectations has become the name of the game! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FCG-eR3UAOk/VAqIBAjtXII/AAAAAAAAFwI/MQM6zmFdgZ4/s1600-h/Slide1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide1" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iOWqjQoaYEQ/VAqICTQN6lI/AAAAAAAAFwQ/iBoO_61RcnA/Slide1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide1" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">1 of our classroom expectations is knowing how to use an appropriate voice level. Sometimes you also just need a little space for yourself to get your work completed. With the switch to {round} tables this year, there’s no space for big, rectangular privacy folders. To gain a little privacy students learned to divide their tables into 4 individual spaces by placing their book boxes on the table extending out from the supply caddy set in the middle. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kYJB30xXgiE/VAqIDe02_sI/AAAAAAAAFwY/FvY_RbW_WYI/s1600-h/Slide3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide3" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BZV7Eka_2h0/VAqIEGIOoDI/AAAAAAAAFwg/bAZWWvmlOLQ/Slide3_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide3" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">After taking time to learn procedures for showing what we know….students earned their first crack at smart art! Smart art is our weekly reward activity for meeting expectations during Daily 5 throughout the week. Our story this week was about pals, so students worked in pairs and used verbs to tell things that friends or pals do! Turn &amp; talk, reading response and art all rolled into one….=)</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J9XAy9MMC3s/VAqIFWghFHI/AAAAAAAAFwo/X8DQ1IKnE3c/s1600-h/Slide2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide2" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gYS76yNLEFM/VAqIGDlBEsI/AAAAAAAAFww/uTc6KnayoM0/Slide2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide2" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Having a classroom library that students are allowed to access for good-fit book choices requires organization. Last weekend, I had my [personal] kids return all of the books back to the library bins because….let’s face it….I was just too exhausted to have the class do it for themselves! This week….however…I knew that it was important to teach this routine and hovered just a bit to ensure each student neatly returned their “good-fit” books back to the correct library bin by matching the sticker or letter on the bin. They did a great job!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ewZ5MVcw20M/VAqIHaY0pRI/AAAAAAAAFw4/NntD_Iz_5CU/s1600-h/Slide4%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide4" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FDzgiuplapY/VAqIIIRsa-I/AAAAAAAAFxA/N0bi9cNA73k/Slide4_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide4" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">I posted this picture earlier today onto the FB page and it’s gotten A LOT of attention! {Thank YOU to all!} We started this lesson by viewing a quick video clip about different ways to make 10 on DiscoveryEducation.com. The title of it was <em>The Making of 10 (Math Monsters).</em> We discussed what the little monsters were doing to create groups of 10 as we watched and then used this little activity to review the week by showing the pattern found in creating the same number different ways.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">We worked on 2 or 3 of the little rectangles together and then…..I asked the class to stand and pretended that I couldn’t remember the next combination that would come in the pattern, sent them to talk about it in small groups and to build it using their own set of cubes {for each group}. They were charged with the task of holding up cubes that would be an example of the next combination needed…FIRST….THE FASTEST….and it involved a “clip up” action for getting it done! Engagement, movement, good behavior….all in one! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">A little friendly competition makes things fun and interesting too! =)</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">After working to create the needed combination, the class was called back to the carpet and we completed additional squares together. Students making wise choices were chosen to record the numbers for each part to be joined to create a group of 10. Oh, how wonderfully a firstie will sit in order to get their hands on one of the teacher’s FAVORITE markers! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">It took a couple of times to go back and forth before completing the chart and our room was a little rowdy, BUT the kids really enjoyed the lesson and it was a great wrap up to subitizing, spatial patterns, counting in easy ways and counting in hard ways, etc… It was so much fun to watch them challenge each other!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">ANNNNNd guess what?! All I did was put the chart together and facilitate the discussion…the kids did EVERYTHING else! Score! ANNNNNNND, little did they know…..as soon as they were off on their way home, the chart was laminated and placed in a bin for math stations next week! No excuses about not knowing what to do because… guess what?! They created it! Extended practice……deepening of understanding…..here we come! You can see the blank poster that was set into stations by visiting the FB page. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pfg2cZD0igQ/VAqIJNo5HYI/AAAAAAAAFxI/dRgbVu0XGqc/s1600-h/Slide5%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide5" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4Syxq0NAXIw/VAqIJ3o7JxI/AAAAAAAAFxQ/xLEJnoim09g/Slide5_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide5" width="644" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Before ending the day, we settled down and settled in to routines for writer’s workshop. Today, we completed the assembly of our folders and began to write across 3 pages for the first time. Because it was our first time, I simply stapled 3 blank pages together. No copies. No wasted ink. 3 blank pages of printer paper. Students used their pencils to draw a line across the page from the middle staple to divide their paper in half. Illustrations went above the line. Words/writing went below the line. We use that same routine in our morning work journals. It saves pages. =)</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Reference resources are kept on the prongs that run down the middle. So far, we’ve added our heart maps and a mini-poster to practice the path of motion for forming our letters. Each student also has a personal word wall that is kept in the folder. The pocket on the left houses writings that are still a work in progress. The pocket on the right houses writing that is complete.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">I searched all over and couldn’t find green and red coding dots….soooooo, instead we incorporated color coding plain white labels as part of our discussion about the use of our folders! Glad I never found them….</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, friends…..that was our Friday. There’s been so much happening on the homefront since school started that I’d loved to share! One day that I don’t come home and collapse…we’ll play catch up! Until then, keep visiting…more fun stuff to come! Click the pic below to grab a little freebie for Making 10. Next week….beginning addition!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4jdVQT2GqP9d0k1RWhYVGw3d28/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><img alt="Making10" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--hdmY0Y9aYI/VAqIKpEwMhI/AAAAAAAAFxY/kgucpY43qkY/Making10%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Making10" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">My favorite thing that has happened so far this year? One of my shy guys walked over and quietly asked…. “Is it ok if I put your name on my heart map?”….{heart melted}. It’s been just 9 days, but……..I think they like me!!!!! </span> <br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><center><a href="http://www.teachingblogaddict.com/2014/09/the-first-freebie-friday-of-september.html"><img alt="Freebie Fridays" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zRCNYv9hktM/T9-D9yCw9qI/AAAAAAAAHDc/4u-h5B7uNRI/s1600/freebie-friday-TBA.jpg" /></a></center><br />Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-83318243401410543822014-08-31T01:52:00.002-05:002014-08-31T09:46:29.374-05:00First Week Jitters<span style="font-size: medium;">Hellllo……is anybody out there? Can you hear me now…OR are you coming out of a first week coma too!?? I think I might've forgotten how much work goes into the first week of first grade! Don’t laugh….BUT it reminds me of child birth. Only the labor is spread out over an entire week! My bed is still perfectly made from a week ago because I never made it to sleep in it last week! I dropped as soon as I could right onto the couch and found myself waking up there each morning. Thank God for a charged iphone battery and SEVERAL morning alarms!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cq7B90S99WU/VALFWQOkacI/AAAAAAAAFtw/JHd2XkzbJ6I/s1600-h/fiveforfriday2_thumb%25255B3%25255D%25255B1%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fiveforfriday2_thumb[3][1]" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zrsYFJJGfMw/VALFXTXEWXI/AAAAAAAAFt4/quowZ4jzJSo/fiveforfriday2_thumb%25255B3%25255D%25255B1%25255D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="175" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="fiveforfriday2_thumb[3][1]" width="244" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Now that I’ve regained a little of my senses, I’m checking in with Kacey for a little <a href="http://www.doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2014/08/five-for-friday-linky-party-august-29th.html" target="_blank">Five for Friday</a> catching up! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F46OcaOcCVo/VALFYT8w4WI/AAAAAAAAFuA/-5ol04V9Oro/s1600-h/Slide1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide1" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IaVTy6zi0fA/VALFZrUIcSI/AAAAAAAAFuI/brPhejjnCEU/Slide1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide1" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">With each passing day, routines and procedures began to take shape. Our first crack at building stamina lasted for a whole whopping 30 seconds! I was flipping cartwheels (in my imagination) by Friday for having built it up to a whole 7 minutes! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">I usually draw our anchor charts, but with the sonshine having started his first football season the same time as school, well……ain’t nobody got time for that! Clipart spruced up our anchor chart and to keep them uniform, I’ll be printing pictures for all 5 of them. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5b3smek5Ab4/VALFbk7njLI/AAAAAAAAFuQ/hjgs6jPQL0s/s1600-h/Slide2%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide2" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zNooujStIbY/VALFd_gsm0I/AAAAAAAAFuY/UFReH0sd1xg/Slide2_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="422" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide2" width="436" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">I did, however, whip out this little guy over a cup of yogurt Tuesday morning! This chart was definitely the class favorite of the week. We’ve learned that we can do tough stuff without quitting or giving up! There were lots of smiles as we raised our arms to flex our muscles before practicing read to self each day…</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VxZKyyXXemo/VALFfR522uI/AAAAAAAAFug/3-nOBzgDVx4/s1600-h/Slide3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide3" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dqbSuTznheY/VALFgDBz_lI/AAAAAAAAFuo/hqfs9VyR5Vo/Slide3_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="772" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide3" width="436" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">By Friday….we had gotten to know each other a little better and were ready to be on our feet for some learning fun. We used Dr. Jean’s Rhythm rhyme to generate a list of rhyming words. These little items came from Lakeshore Learning’s rhyming basket. Each student was given an object to “hide” in their hands. When I gave them the signal “ready…rhyme” they walked around the room to find their matching rhyming partner.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Learning on our feet? Fun! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ai9nRFH6jfk/VALFg8FudbI/AAAAAAAAFuw/MPzYZ_bNEbc/s1600-h/Slide4%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide4" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ngDnUJB69vQ/VALFlZXJSqI/AAAAAAAAFu4/bEAee0dg5LE/Slide4_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide4" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Later that day, we also learned how to format our math journals. The sheet of chart paper is laminated. Each day, I’ll write and wipe 4 spiral review topics for students to copy and complete in their math journals. Because this was our intro lesson….we worked through one square at a time. I covered the remaining squares with construction paper so they wouldn’t get overwhelmed. As students begin checking into math writing next week, they will work through all 4 squares at their own pace. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Introducing this activity whole group allowed &nbsp;me to see who has trouble copying too. Now, I know how many students I will need to provide a copy to glue into their journal.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wZPcn_4-BQc/VALFm8uvazI/AAAAAAAAFvA/Jq3DCclHZ2U/s1600-h/Slide5%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide5" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kBIDhY4Uvxk/VALFnR9zJBI/AAAAAAAAFvI/gmYiiJlx8yE/Slide5_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide5" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">….and you know that last post? The one about the room set up? How happy I was with the finished product? Perfect plan…..? Ha! You know what happened the minute the kids showed up, right? Yep! I found out what really worked and what really did not! Kids know best…..and every afternoon, I tweaked things until we got to a format that will work best for all of us. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">There’ll be no riding dead horses for us. What doesn’t work, gets tweaked until it does!&nbsp; </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I think this one is a winner! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4jdVQT2GqP9WmItVHBtTVU5cFE/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Lesson plans</a> included lots of Kindergarten review and time for getting to know one another.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Today was a day of rest….tomorrow, it’ll be time to prep for week 2! As we get ready to move full speed ahead, I thought it might be a good time for a little pick me up! A little something to help get energized….How about a fun Give Away? I can’t send you a caffeine boost, but I can help with adding a little fun to those fingertips as they work to mold little firsties! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jNBWq1D9Rgk/VALFoDWia0I/AAAAAAAAFvQ/VvYgwT4nXDM/s1600-h/photo%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="photo" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dE-oobI5LoU/VALFow59p2I/AAAAAAAAFvY/4VuAlhXDVZM/photo_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="photo" width="364" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">The first week is a wrap! Enter below to have a little fun and win some Jamberry nail wraps from my teaching bud, Dani!&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e7548abc4/" id="rc-e7548abc4" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><script src="//widget.rafflecopter.com/load.js"></script></div>Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-9938929741328487742014-08-19T23:31:00.007-05:002014-08-19T23:48:40.705-05:00Classroom Reveal {Where I Work}<span style="font-size: medium;">Hi, Friends! I’m linking up with fab ladies of <a href="http://www.imbloghoppin.blogspot.com/2014/08/teacher-week-my-classroom-digs.html" target="_blank">Blog Hoppin</a>’ to share where I work. I promised a reveal into my little home away from home and well….here it is! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><img alt="Slide1" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ftq-87XSafE/U_Qjc2DSLvI/AAAAAAAAFpY/7moUhaCT9is/Slide1_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="330" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide1" width="368" /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">This is my little space. The place where I spend more time than I probably do my own home, the place where the magic happens…..my happy place, my classroom! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rPbtQ0NRLwc/U_QjdpXVvvI/AAAAAAAAFpg/91RT2wW7pfI/s1600-h/Slide2%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide2" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9TKbiysTKWc/U_QjeRp1rKI/AAAAAAAAFpo/JcLTWFVHqrM/Slide2_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="386" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;" title="Slide2" width="686" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">This is the view from the door…as you enter the room. Which do you prefer…desks or tables? This will be the first year, I’ve used tables. As you can see, I was too nervous to fully let go of the desks, lol! I can be a little indecisive sometimes! The desks may also serve as another storage option, if needed.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">How will I seat a class of 22 with only 5 desks?! Glad you asked! =) As you view each picture, you’ll find there are still a total of 22 chairs available for students to be seated at a desk or table. By utilizing the guided reading table and writing station table, each student has a chair. Do I make students work at a desk or table? No. If they are more comfortable and productive in a “special chair”, I allow them to sit where they will be successful. We will have class discussions about the true meaning of fairness. We will also work together as a school family to make sure each of us has access to what we need (not what we want).</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cw6kwOVjykA/U_QjfvPZ2PI/AAAAAAAAFpw/KWSQ_JLV5is/s1600-h/Slide3%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide3" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z2f0-L1xP9s/U_QjgXFVaeI/AAAAAAAAFp4/HWJyWwHgA9w/Slide3_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="383" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;" title="Slide3" width="681" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RdUclYfZYp4/U_QjhKg5UFI/AAAAAAAAFqA/uYVKGdPoEVk/s1600-h/Slide4%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide4" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-corrrLpca3Y/U_Qjh4jRzGI/AAAAAAAAFqI/hEyfcbFY3t0/Slide4_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="683" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;" title="Slide4" width="451" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VweoyaGsR4s/U_Qjis3Q84I/AAAAAAAAFqQ/i3Lxm01BB34/s1600-h/Slide5%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide5" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CUNHbJyTU_c/U_Qjjq7zYFI/AAAAAAAAFqY/-HiNB3EVyCI/Slide5_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="361" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;" title="Slide5" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">This is my little corner of the classroom. Like most things, I share it with the kids….um, I guess that means it really isn’t my little corner, huh?!&nbsp; </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-giUgZfDT-ms/U_QjkWLkrsI/AAAAAAAAFqg/fsy7tgxZhEM/s1600-h/Slide6%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide6" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HQEmrrl_D-Q/U_QjlPzof-I/AAAAAAAAFqo/913Ph0VDgUc/Slide6_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="361" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;" title="Slide6" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">I do <em>not</em> have a traditional desk. I use the guided reading table as my desk space and house supplies that will be needed for small group on the shelf behind the table. We’ll use the blue pocket chart for our Fundations letter cards. The black bulletin boards will house vocabulary cards, student work or anchor charts for the corresponding subject areas.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OigAwrRGv40/U_QjmHCgyBI/AAAAAAAAFqw/ialgR6-4ddw/s1600-h/Slide7%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide7" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z0TxKCqQmXc/U_QjmzrnPwI/AAAAAAAAFq4/nPdMRsgUs9k/Slide7_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="361" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;" title="Slide7" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">To the left of my table is our classroom library. The two shelves that house books are organized by topic and level. Students are allowed to browse both shelves. The board above the library will house learning about science and social studies topics. (That’s the plan…..at least.) The blue chairs were purchased with my little friends that will need extra wiggle time in mind. =)</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hom80W9ZBp4/U_QjoDP6-BI/AAAAAAAAFrA/HXhP25B9a5M/s1600-h/Slide8%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide8" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dRf5lqxZb70/U_QjowgAtWI/AAAAAAAAFrI/kjZDUB0a4hI/Slide8_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="361" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;" title="Slide8" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Here’s a closer look at leveled bins and student book boxes. I found the book boxes and adhesive labels at Dollar Tree! Score! The plastic bins are from Target.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eW-18YbQkwM/U_QjpqVbZCI/AAAAAAAAFrQ/sebS8z7g-5A/s1600-h/Slide9%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide9" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YQtyDJsAOsQ/U_QjqeVWzfI/AAAAAAAAFrY/buMyLebgIqM/Slide9_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="361" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;" title="Slide9" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m still working on adding books for the beginning of the year to these bins. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NC-0-KbQ6OI/U_QjrfZpxkI/AAAAAAAAFrg/rhCH6dzogeY/s1600-h/Slide10%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide10" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VacWHG9V8ac/U_QjsHXmVHI/AAAAAAAAFro/Y3oD5yNa2JU/Slide10_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;" title="Slide10" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Students will work on writing in this area of the room…</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8ie44YJ7FgI/U_Qjs1QDPmI/AAAAAAAAFrw/w7dFsdbXZ6Q/s1600-h/Slide11%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide11" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fL9V5Cgg4VA/U_QjtssFkAI/AAAAAAAAFr4/hzuD0dLPK_Q/Slide11_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="385" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;" title="Slide11" width="681" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Space under the table is used to house classroom library books.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-meDw1i1F6tI/U_Qju6ZHfBI/AAAAAAAAFsA/_uAruKNLttA/s1600-h/Slide12%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide12" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NOTCtXBix2I/U_QjvlfqKUI/AAAAAAAAFsI/HOy1ejLcVO4/Slide12_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="385" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;" title="Slide12" width="681" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Because I’ve chosen to incorporate tables into our setup, I had to rethink storage. This ottoman will serve as comfy seating for reading and writing…AND double as storage for dictionaries and reading books. The writing display has examples for students to use as a guide. Later on, student work will be clipped over the examples. I’m guessing, the pillows will spend a little more time on the floor once school starts than neatly placed on top and that’s fine with me. The goal is for students to be <em>comfortably</em> <u>engaged</u>. </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">The little pink container is holding lapboards.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kmJc4xAOjjQ/U_QjwxCP4-I/AAAAAAAAFsM/zsrPyGraqOI/s1600-h/Slide13%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide13" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FhZaT2EQmXE/U_QjxvXlv4I/AAAAAAAAFsY/n9TAdGTifXw/Slide13_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="385" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;" title="Slide13" width="681" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F9b5bhAvS7U/U_QjyZ2efYI/AAAAAAAAFsg/NtfM6_CRkAI/s1600-h/Slide14%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide14" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--9RTIXo_hZc/U_Qjzf9VEaI/AAAAAAAAFso/RA2he4sDitQ/Slide14_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="380" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;" title="Slide14" width="675" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QB32585ltxw/U_Qj0BXu4pI/AAAAAAAAFsw/74HyWzPfFN0/s1600-h/Slide15%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide15" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T5GTxZt7_jg/U_Qj0-llAvI/AAAAAAAAFs4/USXIrtojwUY/Slide15_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="380" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;" title="Slide15" width="676" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hAbSn8g40Uc/U_Qj1sENKFI/AAAAAAAAFtA/IT1V5MFzb00/s1600-h/Slide16%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide16" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-imwL8-pIrHU/U_Qj2gUCfxI/AAAAAAAAFtI/WsVc7XaZuF8/Slide16_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="381" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;" title="Slide16" width="677" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--Sg65xYj0hY/U_Qj3_dKDvI/AAAAAAAAFtM/Bz5QAE0wJBg/s1600-h/Slide17%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide17" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dfWtscUYGso/U_Qj4iagAfI/AAAAAAAAFtY/mAkcQgrcuR4/Slide17_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="382" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;" title="Slide17" width="679" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m still waiting on a few details to be delivered by my local friendly UPS delivery man, but all in all…the room is put together and ready to greet a fresh crew of cuties! You’ll also notice that my walls are pretty bare. That’s done very intentionally.&nbsp; Once the kids and I begin learning, the walls will be filled with anchor charts and student work that will show evidence of what we’re learning in the classroom…</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed this little peek into my room. </span>Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-41853146921285306122014-08-16T09:00:00.000-05:002014-08-16T09:00:03.029-05:00It's Bright Idea Time!<span style="font-size: medium;">HI, Friends! How are ya? It’s time for another round of bright ideas! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_xzEwoX0e4E/U-7Rkh6B5dI/AAAAAAAAFnY/Bbc0DUWH7mE/s1600-h/BrightIdeasButton1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="BrightIdeasButton1" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e-ZrpylZ6rE/U-7RliB-sGI/AAAAAAAAFng/Ah6nER6_37Y/BrightIdeasButton1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="290" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="BrightIdeasButton1" width="290" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">This one…is a favorite! My son’s teacher from last year actually inspired it! Let’s get to it!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dvV8PqQiMTg/U-7Rm5emm9I/AAAAAAAAFno/kaf8L90h30g/s1600-h/Slide1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide1" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gT9ClUNcmAs/U-7Rn0mgmWI/AAAAAAAAFns/avqH69robyQ/Slide1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;" title="Slide1" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Journaling has become all the rage in classrooms all over the country! I love using journals in the classroom, BUT always hesitated to store them in stations for students because I didn’t want those pesky spirals to get tangled. Composition notebooks are PERFECT, BUT….can be a bit pricey!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-31gE9vDhU_0/U-7Ro23iD4I/AAAAAAAAFn4/PnkXqzP6Nxg/s1600-h/Slide2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide2" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XOMbhpDw3V0/U-7Rpt0V_pI/AAAAAAAAFoA/d6Iy7EzNyYg/Slide2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;" title="Slide2" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Even still, there were times that I’ve tried to store notebooks in bins only to have an upset kiddo struggle to detangle his journal from a friend’s in order to get to work. Well, thanks to the nifty thinking of a certain lovely, 3rd grade teacher……we shall detangle NO MORE!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0LiJNmy1kKo/U-7RqgydRjI/AAAAAAAAFoI/nBbKJ0AChT0/s1600-h/Slide3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide3" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-a_rUB0rQlOc/U-7RreS9e_I/AAAAAAAAFoQ/4RD3bEVcHj8/Slide3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;" title="Slide3" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">With a handy dandy roll of duct tape and scissors….you can solve your tangled spiral problems like this…..</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cKAEyX_lW9E/U-7RskjuWLI/AAAAAAAAFoY/fU6XRwxmqEo/s1600-h/Slide4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide4" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nCwORnmU_gM/U-7Rte8cADI/AAAAAAAAFog/zn0JvlBvuvk/Slide4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;" title="Slide4" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Use the dotted line that runs down the front of the spiral as a guide to adhere a length of duct tape. Turn the notebook over onto its cover and fold the duct tape over the spiral to adhere to the back of the notebook.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-alXEYx7pphw/U-7RuI1AuMI/AAAAAAAAFoo/cVP7ecNycFA/s1600-h/Slide5%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide5" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IEzG-Aq_eng/U-7Ru-VusxI/AAAAAAAAFow/PbYwbc0WjSo/Slide5_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;" title="Slide5" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Lay open and flat to double check that you haven’t stuck any writing pages together. =)</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J4_Qu3J8WNE/U-7Rv7mj5JI/AAAAAAAAFo4/8wa8VmzO96k/s1600-h/Slide6%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide6" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sgRy-pjBj6A/U-7RxScdi8I/AAAAAAAAFpA/Z6-Yjp-19fs/Slide6_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;" title="Slide6" width="644" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">….and viola! Instant “composition books”….no tangles….AND with all the different types of duct tape available now, you can color code for organization too! No more mixed up, tangled spiral notebooks! Thanks, Mr. Love! Love ya!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">If you enjoyed this bright idea, please consider joining me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aplusfirsties" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://instagram.com/aplusfirsties" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, or <a href="https://twitter.com/aplusfirsties" target="_blank">Twitter</a> for more great ideas.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">For more bright ideas from more than 100 different bloggers, please browse through the link-up below and choose a topic/grade level that interests you. Thanks for stopping by!</span><!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /><div class="InLinkzContainer" id="433808"><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com//luwpview.php?id=433808" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div><script src="http://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=007" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end InLinkz script -->Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-81013727275678108672014-08-11T01:29:00.000-05:002014-08-11T01:44:14.447-05:00I confess….<span style="font-size: medium;">….I love structure! I love knowing what to expect. I love knowing what is expected of me….and why it’s important. Can I let you in on a little secret? Your students do too! </span><br><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span><span style="font-size: medium;">My favorite thing to teach? Literacy!!!! All day….every day! It’s the heartbeat of our classroom. If you’ve read my little blog for any period of time, you know that I’ve written several posts about my love for The Daily 5. Can I let you in on another little secret? I didn’t like it when I first heard of it! {GASP!!!} I know….. My first impression was Whaaaat?! You mean just let my kids choose what they want to do? </span><br><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span><span style="font-size: medium;">And then, rather than argue the point of something I really wasn’t informed about……I read the book! The more I read, the more intrigued I got. The more I read, I realized…I was already doing many of the things mentioned…just called by a different name or organized differently. What I grew to love the most was the intentional building of principled habits instead of managing student behavior. </span><br><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Does your school model PBIS or CHAMPS? Again…..principled, preventative, positive habits that teach students to SELF MANAGE! Holla!!! If my students can self manage, if they can make positive choices that will impact their learning…..what’s not to like?</span><br><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span><span style="font-size: medium;">BUT Daily 5 is NOT balanced literacy! I KNOW! Ha! </span><br><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span><span style="font-size: medium;">By definition, balanced literacy is a method of teaching reading in which phonics and whole language approaches are BOTH used to maximize student learning. Bloop! That’s it…in a nutshell.&nbsp;</span><br><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span><span style="font-size: medium;">The Daily 5 is a positive approach to classroom management that fosters literacy. Balanced Literacy is managed by Daily 5. It’s the structure…the “how to”. It’s the building of muscle memory, so you can address the components of balanced literacy with minimal interruption. The two don't compete with each other, they compliment each other.</span><br><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BhmApxKZMvI/U-hgBDvQxcI/AAAAAAAAFlA/WaNfuHT2X_o/s1600-h/Slide1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide1" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6xyNTxG6twc/U-hgDfwPIfI/AAAAAAAAFlE/QkSJccAfnqI/Slide1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide1" width="644"></a><br><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{source:&nbsp; <a href="http://pirate.shu.edu/~jamesjan/literacy.htm" title="http://pirate.shu.edu/~jamesjan/literacy.htm">http://pirate.shu.edu/~jamesjan/literacy.htm</a>}</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">…and can we keep it all the way real? You simply can not teach a class that you can not manage. Building relationships and routines has to take place before you can even think of diving into teaching anything, including balanced literacy. Balanced literacy is not a new concept to early childhood teachers. It’s what we do! </span><br><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span><span style="font-size: medium;">In 1st grade, it may look a little like this….</span><br><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eo3BWiqb4l8/U-hgESevKeI/AAAAAAAAFlM/qsI_IkptgKc/s1600-h/Slide2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide2" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yEV7JyimIfg/U-hgFPo6C1I/AAAAAAAAFlY/EZKFoE_E45g/Slide2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide2" width="644"></a><br><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span><span style="font-size: medium;">The components are all connected….</span><br><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-O_oWT0daD-I/U-hgGnZ8gkI/AAAAAAAAFlg/IOoZR0_VDe0/s1600-h/Slide3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide3" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l3xsC77Ogoo/U-hgHjAEJKI/AAAAAAAAFlo/r9wmn8WWlxc/Slide3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide3" width="644"></a></span><br><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-umZ_uq7whEc/U-hgI2_sNuI/AAAAAAAAFlw/cGLraB1YCYE/s1600-h/Slide4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide4" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xe8hwYX8Wmc/U-hgJ8T0p9I/AAAAAAAAFl0/L8jciKABJ10/Slide4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide4" width="644"></a><br><span style="font-size: medium;">…and have to be interesting and FUN!</span><div><font size="3"><br></font><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZkOSnNMf8Ys/U-hgKzHaFkI/AAAAAAAAFmA/lx5L443EpDI/s1600-h/Slide5%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide5" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yZlPxZpBZB8/U-hgMMqG75I/AAAAAAAAFmI/iNC74oyRLLM/Slide5_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide5" width="644"></a><br><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Though the components are the same and should all be integrated, it will look a little different in each classroom because it is driven by assessment and reflecting on student needs.</span><br><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yYXUfjtWaWg/U-hgNVq_WSI/AAAAAAAAFmQ/vlQKrGyz9ic/s1600-h/Slide6%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide6" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-weKn7srO2Jo/U-hgOmDwU1I/AAAAAAAAFmY/PSqfGhGDg6U/Slide6_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="772" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide6" width="436"></a><br><div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{Source:&nbsp; <a href="http://www.ascd.org/differentiatedclassroom.com" target="_blank">www.ascd.org/differentiatedclassroom.com</a>}</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span><span style="font-size: medium;">While balanced literacy will be your all encompassing umbrella, differentiation of activities for students to complete independently will allow you to meet with small groups. Getting to small group is the BIG goal of your literacy block because its at the guided reading table that the most important work begins! </span><br><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-loO_SrkDJTM/U-hgPugnEyI/AAAAAAAAFmg/qgjBfSQRQF8/s1600-h/Slide7%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide7" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HYMRRH0YMuo/U-hgQZX-q5I/AAAAAAAAFmo/XUjRFZa4LH8/Slide7_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide7" width="644"></a><br><br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jC_XSBHhKsQ/U-hgRkmqbRI/AAAAAAAAFms/ED0zr8-_j90/s1600-h/Slide8%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide8" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oOJvaFydI50/U-hgSHmRrcI/AAAAAAAAFm0/zfPZD_mJcsk/Slide8_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide8" width="644"></a><br><br><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QQmCan-spJA/U-hgTLNgFrI/AAAAAAAAFnA/3bd-gLF2N1M/s1600-h/Slide9%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide9" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KxvPm9xs7us/U-hgUAU_z3I/AAAAAAAAFnI/hE_dF5W6KDw/Slide9_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="364" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide9" width="644"></a><br><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Ask any of my students what their favorite time of day was and they’ll gladly tell you…… “Daily 5” time. Whether you call it stations, centers or reading….what’s important is students knowing they’re working to become better readers and writers. Love structure? Yep…..I confess. I do. Love balanced literacy? Yep! I do. Would I want to teach without building principled habits? Absolutely not! Will I teach BOTH as we begin the school year? <i>YES!</i>&nbsp;</span><br><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Taking the time during those first 20 days of school to instill a classroom community that will foster successful literate kiddos is a no brainer! We’ve gotta do it, peeps! It’s honestly, what I’m looking forward to the most! And Week 5, when it all comes together is such a beautiful thing! </span><br><span style="font-size: medium;"><br></span><span style="font-size: medium;">So the next time someone tells you Daily 5 is not balanced literacy….just smile and ask them if they’ve read the book…….it’s always a great time to learn something new.</span></div>Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1547536534395456953.post-52628213709350015082014-08-09T00:04:00.000-05:002014-08-09T00:12:54.717-05:00Five for Friday~Sneak Peek<span style="font-size: medium;">Hi Friends! How are ya? </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">It’s been a busy last couple of days as I finally got my hands on those golden keys! With August having rolled in….the only thing on the brain has been unpacking and getting set up. After 3 days of unpacking, sorting, organizing and finally decorating…I’ve got a little sneak peek ready for ya! Wanna have a look see at what our little home away from home is gonna look like this year?</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Come on in! It's time for...<a href="http://www.doodlebugsteaching.blogspot.com/2014/08/five-for-friday-linky-party-august-8th.html" target="_blank">Five for Friday</a>!</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="fiveforfriday2_thumb[3][1]" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uzyUJRiTsuY/U-WoySACmgI/AAAAAAAAFjg/zUJfyQwpWnI/fiveforfriday2_thumb%25255B3%25255D%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="243" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="fiveforfriday2_thumb[3][1]" width="340" /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m about 99% done……-ish! =)</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_d4GLLSuM9w/U-WozvMWt8I/AAAAAAAAFjo/hq32La6_pVA/s1600-h/Slide1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide1" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KuwAzI6imXc/U-Wo0j8xN_I/AAAAAAAAFjw/qg8RWAAjYG0/Slide1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="360" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide1" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">I love inspirational quotes. Words have power! As my kiddos enter our classroom, I want them to always see a little something that will inspire them to learn and be the best they can be. I’m going to add the word ‘create’ to the board as well. Being a clutter free gal kicks me in the rear every now and then because when I looked for another set of letters to use, I didn’t have any more! No biggie…I’ll whip up a little something.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8ZYppjjxLWM/U-Wo18Qa22I/AAAAAAAAFj4/kKY_ybWc0bg/s1600-h/Slide2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide2" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A_1xZiegZFQ/U-Wo23A8ScI/AAAAAAAAFkA/XQqkuBxtKSk/Slide2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="361" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide2" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Lockers have been numbered. We won’t go totally without student names. As we create activities throughout the year, they’ll have the opportunity to display work with their name on their lockers for all the world to see! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GDl9hCNdv_4/U-Wo4Xhh8AI/AAAAAAAAFkI/9Znxtephk9M/s1600-h/Slide3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide3" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i90rULLPkJg/U-Wo5mzIulI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/iGXUjhup42g/Slide3_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="361" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide3" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Beginning Day 1…..I want these two words to guide the beliefs of our classroom climate. <strong><span style="color: red;">I can</span></strong>……and I will be successful! Please ignore the “leather like” paper. It’s not as wrinkled as it appears….and will be covered with student work soon. I’m still giggling a little because I didn’t realize the roll of fadeless paper that I purchased didn’t have a matte finish. It really does look like I decorated our boards with leather! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Avv8WEJBP20/U-Wo62KeykI/AAAAAAAAFkY/tAW-Fr6qbxk/s1600-h/Slide5%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide5" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GUAxG3SNLh8/U-Wo7q6b-wI/AAAAAAAAFkg/rTB5wpoYpJE/Slide5_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="361" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide5" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Looking for pretty prints to add a little flair to your bulletin boards? Try gift wrap! It’s inexpensive, comes in any design you can think of and easy to hang! That chevron paper is from leftover Christmas wrap! </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Be5EGp73zNY/U-Wo8osyYqI/AAAAAAAAFko/DVzpIwju9Jw/s1600-h/Slide4%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Slide4" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AMe-SFn7h1g/U-Wo9rutfqI/AAAAAAAAFkw/KRhoaftOgSc/Slide4_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="361" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Slide4" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Got wiggles? Students who struggle to sit still? Do you teach 1st grade? If you answered yes to any of these questions….then these fun chairs are for you! Since I brought them into the building, every person that has walked into my room has fallen into them and bounced out with a smile! My son sat and watched an entire movie in one, so I’m guessing they’re pretty comfortable. I’m going to be trying something new with seating this year that I’ll share a little later….these two chairs will be one choice of several student options.</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Thanks for stopping by to peek in our room….</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">Are you trying anything new this year?</span>Tanya Dwyerhttps://plus.google.com/102914898312059205432noreply@blogger.com4